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A 

CATECHISM 

AND 

CONFESSION OF FAITH, 

APPROVED OF AND AGREED UNTO 

« 

BY THE 

GENERAL ASSEMBLY 

OF THE 

PATRIARCHS, PROPHETS, AND APOSTLES, 

CHRIST HIMSELF CHIEF SPEAKER 

IN AND AMONG THEM. 



Which containeth a true and faithful account of the principles and doc- 
trines, which are most surely believed by the Churches of Christ in 
Great Britain and Ireland, who are reproachfully called by the name 
of Quakers ; yet are found in the one Faith with the Primitive Church 
and Saints, as is most clearly demonstrated by some plain Scripture 
Testimonies (without Consequences or Commentaries) which are here 
collected, and inserted by way of Answer to a few weighty, yet easy 
and familiar Questions, fitted as well for the wisest and largest, as for 
the weakest and lowest Capacities.— To which is added, An Expostula- 
tion with, and appeal to, all other Professors- 



BY ROBERT BARCLAY, 



Search the Scriptures, (or, ye search the Scriptures) for in them ye think 
ye have eternal Life, and they are they which testify of me. And ye 
will not come unto me, that ye might have Life. John v. 39, 40. 



PHILADELPHIA: 
PRINTED BY SOLOMON W. CONRAD, NO 32, CHURCH ALLEY 




TO THE 

READER 



SINCE first that great apostacy took place in the 
hearts and heads of those who began, even in the apos- 
tles' days, to depart from the simplicity and purity of the 
gospel, as it was then delivered in its primitive splendor 
and integrity, innumerable have been the manifold inven- 
tions and traditions, the different and various notions and 
opinions, wherewith man (by giving way to the vain and 
airy imaginations of his own unstable mind) hath bur- 
thened the Christian faith : so that indeed, first by add- 
ing these things, and afterwards by equalling them, if 
not exalting them above the truth, they have at last come 
to be substituted in the stead of it ; so that in process of 
time truth came to be shut out of doors, and another 
thing placed in the room thereof, having a shew and 
name, but wanting the substance and thing itself. Ne- 
vertheless, it pleased God to raise up witnesses for him- 
self almost in every age and generation, who, according 
to the discoveries they received, bore some testimony, 
less or more, against the superstition and apostacy of the 
time ; and in special manner, through the appearing of 
that light which first broke forth in Germany, about one 
hundred and fifty years ago, and afterwards reached di- 
vers other nations, the beast received a deadly wound ; 
and a very great number did at one time protest against, 
and rescind from the church of Rome, in divers of their 
most gross and sensual doctrines and superstitious tradi- 
tions : but, alas ! it is for matter of lamentation, that the 
successors of these Protestants are establishing and build- 
ing up in themselves that which their fathers were pull- 
ing down, instead of prosecuting and going on with so 
good and honourable a work, which will easily appear. 



IV 



rtZt? ^ nendi , tv of all Protestants (though in many other 
things miserably rent and shattered among themselves) 

£&&£f* from the church of Rome in p 

«w2*k— ** eVe / 7 P' inci P le and doctrine of the Chris- 

ture fh £l* l 7 gkt t0 b * f ° Unded u P° n the s crip- 
nor oXn 1 w + hats °eyer principles and doctrines are 

onlt y K /°- nt i a,V ' bu - t , even not ^cording thereto, 
ought to be denied as antichristian. 

a n,l!!;? d I J 'K That , the sc , ri P tures themselves are plain 
and easy to be understood j and that every private Chris- 

th a em an th fl rX ber ° f t Chu f '? ° U » ht t0 read »d pT™£ 
them, that they may know their faith and belief founded 

En S?' ^K rC r VC thGm f0r that cause al ™ e > a « d not 
because any church or assembly has compounded and re- 
commended them ; the choicest and most pure of which 
they are obliged to look upon as fallible. ' 

nriSl T'T t0 tb i S - their known and acknowledged 
principle, thev do most vigourously prosecute and perse- 

feth'er , 7 S Tv the *£? SeV ^ ity the Pa P ists d ^ d d cir 
fathers, for believing things that are plainly set down in 

the scriptures, and for not believing divers principles, 
for whiclx themselves are forced to recur to traLon,and 
2l\ Y n °, means P«? v t fr ? m sc »Pt«re : to shew which I 
tt i I i ? e ln u ,St ' haVm S allotted a chapter for it in 

t„n h Tk K Sdf i be r aUSe t° P ut h here ' would swell it be- 
yond the bounds of a preface. 

with h ,.L h ^ ! ik + l d ° th -t y sh T themsel ves (I mention it 
with regret) to the scribes and pharisees of old, who, of 
a men, most cried up and exalted Moses and the pro- 
phets, boasting greatly of their being Abraham's children? 

™H J rfi rnu - they that were the § rea test opposers 
and vihfiers of Christ, to whom Moses and the prophets 
gave witness ; yea, their chief accusations and ex?ep?ioM 

ofas7eme r mt ""» aS »"** a breaker of the Iaw > ™ d a 

+w" thereanv comparison run more parallel ? seeino- 
there is now found a people, who are greatly persecuted* 5 

r»L hl Tl y rCViled ' and accused as h?reticlfs, P by a ^gene- 
ration that cry up an d exalt the scriptures : and yet these 
people's principles are found in scripture, word ly word" 



though the most grievous, and indeed the greatest calum- 
ny cast upon them is, that they vilify and deny the 
scriptures, and set up their own imaginations instead of 
them. 

To disprove which, this Catechism and Confession of 
Faith is compiled, and presented to thy serious and im- 
partial view. If thou lovest the scriptures indeed, and 
desirest to hold the plain doctrines there delivered, and 
not those strained and far fetched consequences, which 
men have invented, thou shalt easily observe the whole 
principles of the people called Quakers, plainly couched 
in scripture words, without addition or commentary ; es- 
pecially in those things their adversaries oppose them in, 
where the scripture plainly decideth the controversy for 
them, without niceties and school-distinctions, which have 
been the wisdom by which the world hath not known 
God 5 and the words which have been multiplied without 
knowledge, by which counsel hath been darkened. 

In the answers to the questions, there is not one word, 
that I know of, placed, but the express words of scrip- 
ture : and if in some of the questions there be somewhat 
subsumed, of what in my judgment is the plain and na- 
ked import of the words, it is not to impose my sense up- 
on the reader but to make way for the next questions, 
for the dependance of the matter's sake. 

I shall leave it to the reason of any understanding and 
judicious man, who is not biassed by self-interest, that 
great enemy to true equity, and who in the least mea- 
sure is willing to give way to the light of Christ in his 
conscience, if the scriptures do not pertinently and aptly 
answer to the questions ? 

As I have upon serious grounds separated from most of 
the confessions and catechisms heretofore published ; so 
not without cause, I now have taken another method : 
they usually place their confession of faith before the cat- 
echism : I judge it ought to be otherwise, in regard that 
which is easiest, and is composed for children, or such as 
are weak, ought in my judgment to be placed first $ it 
being more regular to begin with things that are easy and 
familiar, and lead on to things that are more hard and 
intricate. Besides, that things be more largely opened 



VI 



in the catechism, and divers objections answered, winch 
are proposed in the questions, the reader having passed 
thrXh that first, will more perfectly understand the 
cStsior Twhich'consisteth mainly in ^"jjj. 
Not Ions after I had received and believed the tesu 
tnonv I S bear, I had in my view both the possibility 
TdTcnitv of such a work ; and now after a more large 
and perfect acquaintance with the holy scriptures, I found 
acceKo allow 1 some time to set about it, and have also 
been helped to accomplish the same. 

I doubt notbut it might be enlarged by divers citations 
which are here omitted as not being at present b. ought 
To ny remembrance ; yet 1 find cause to be contented 
in tlmt God hath so far assisted me in this work b 'his 
Snirit that good Remembrancer; the manifestation of 
33S Sit £ minded, will help such as seriously and 
Tonscientiously read this, to find out and cleave to the 
S, and also establish and confirm those who have al- 
ready^ believed : which of all things is most earnestly de- 
sired and daily prayed for, by 

ROBERT BARCLAY, 



A servant of the church of Christ. 



From Urie, the place of my being; in my 
native country of Scotland, the 11th ot 
the sixth month, 1673. 



CONTENTS. 



Pagt. 
Chapter 1. OF God, and the true and saving know- 
ledge of him. 1 
Chap. 2. Of the rule and guide of Christians, and 

of the scriptures. 2 

Chap. 3. Of Jesus Christ's being manifest in the 

flesh, the end and use of. 4 

Chap. 4. Of the New Birth, the inward appearance 
of Christ in Spirit, and the unity of the saints 
with him. 10 

Chap. 5. Concerning the light wherewith Jesus Christ 
hath enlightened every man; the universality and 
sufficiency of God's grace to all the world, made 
manifest therein. IS 

Chap. 6. Of faith, justification, and works. 21 

Chap. 7. Of perfection, or freedom from sin. 25 

Chap. 8. Of perseverance, and falling from grace. 31 
Chap. 9. Concerning the Church and Ministry. 34 

Chap. 10. Of worship. 43 

Chap. 11. Of baptism, and bread, and wine. 46 

Chap. 12. Of the life of a Christian in general, what, 

and how it ought to be in this world. 49 

Chap. 13. Of Magistracy. 62 

Chap. 14. Of the Resurrection. 64 

Chap. 15. A short introduction to the Confession of 

Faith. 66 

Chap. 16. A Confession of Faith, containing twenty 

three articles. 68 

Article 1. Concerning God, and the true and saving 

knowledge of him. ib. 

Art. 2. Of the guide and rule of Christians. ib. 

Art. 3. Of the Scriptures. 69 

Art. 4. Of the divinity of Christ, and his being from 

the beginning. ib. 



viii Contents, 

Art. 5. Of his appearance in the flesh. 70 

Art. 6. Of the end and use of that appearance. ib. 

Art. 7. Of the inward manifestation of Christ. 71 

Art. 8. Of the New Birth. 72 

Art. 9. Of the unity of the saints with Christ. ib. 

Art. 10. Of the universal love and grace of God 

to all. 73 

Art. 11. Of the light that enlighteneth every man. ib. 
Art. 12. Of faith and justification. 75 

Art. 13. Of good works. , 76 

Art. 14. Of perfection. . ib. 

Art. 15. Concerning perseverence, and falling from 

grace. 77 

Art. 16. Of the Church and Ministry. 78 

Art. 17. Of Worship. 80 

Art. 18. Of Baptism. ib. 

Art. 19. Concerning eating of bread and wine, wash- 
ing of one another's feet, abstaining from things 
strangled and from blood, and anointing of the sick 
with oil. 81 

Art. 20. Of the liberty of such Christians as are 
come to know the substance, as to the using or 
not using of these rites, and of the observation of 
days. 82 

Art. 21. Concerning swearing, fighting and persecu- 
tion, ib. 
Art. 22. Of Magistracy. 83 
Art. 23. Of the Resurrection. 84 
Chap. 17. A short expostulation, with an appeal to 

all other professors. 85 

Chap. 18. A short examination of some of the scrip- 
ture proofs, alleged by the divines at Westminster, 
to prove divers articles in their Confession of 
Faith and Catechism. 89 



A 

CATECHISM, &c 



CHAP. I. 



Of God, and the true and saving knowledge of him. 

Q. SEEING it is a thing unquestioned by all sorts of 
Christians, that the height of happiness consisteth in com- 
ing to know and enjoy eternal life, what is it in the sense 
and judgment of Christ ? 

A. This is life eternal, that they might know thee the 
only true God, and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent. 
John 17, 3. 

Q. How doth God reveal his knowledge ? 

A. For God, who commanded the light to shine out of 
darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the 
knowledge of the glory of God, in the face of Jesus 
Christ. 2 Cor. 4, 6. 

Q. How many Gods are they ? 

A. One God. Eph. 4, 6. 

We know that an idol is nothing in the world, and that 
there is none other God but one. But to us there is but 
one God. 1 Cor. 8. 4, 6. 

Q. What is God ? 

A. God is a spirit. John 4. 24. 

Q. Among all the blessed, glorious and divine excel- 
lencies of God, which are ascribed and given to him in the 
scriptures ; what is that which is most needful for us to 
take notice of, as being the message which the apostles 
recorded in special manner to declare of him now under 
the gospel ? 

_ A. This then is the message which we have heard of 
him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him 
is no darkness at all. 1 John 1. 5. 

B 



2 

Q. What are they that bear record in heaven ? 

A. There are three that bear record in heaven, the Fa- 
ther, the Word and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are 
one. 1 John 5.7. 

Q. How cometh any man to know God the Father, ac- 
cording to Christ's words ? 

A. All things are delivered to me of my Father, and no 
man knows who the Son is, but the Father, and who the 
Father is, but the Son, and he to whom the Son will re- 
veal him. Luke 10. 22. Mat. 11. 27. 

Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth and the 
life, no man cometh unto the Father but by me. John 14.6. 

Q. By whom, and after what manner doth the Son re- 
veal his knowledge ? 

A. But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear 
heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the 
things which God hath prepared for them that love him, 
but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit : for the 
Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 
For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spi- 
rit of a man which is in him ? even so the things of God 
knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. Now 7 , we have 
received, not the Spirit of the world , but the Spirit which 
is of God, that we might know the things that are freely 
given to us of God. 1 Cor. 2. 9, 10, 11, 12. 

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the 
Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, 
and bring all things to your remembrance, &c. John 
14. 26. 

CHAP. II. 

Of the rule and guide of Christians, and of the Scriptures. 

Q. SEEING it is by the Spirit, that Christ reveals the 
knowledge of God in things spiritual ; is it by the Spirit 
that we must be led under the gospel ? 

A. But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so 
be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now, if any man 
have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. For, as 



3 

many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of 
God. Bom. 8. 9, 14. 

Q. Is it an inward principle then, that is to be the 
guide and rule of Christians ? 

A. But the anointing, which ye have received of him, 
abideth in you ; and ye need not that any man teach you, 
but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and 
is truth, and is no lie ; and even as it hath taught you, ye 
shall abide in him. 1 John 2. 27. 

But as touching brotherly love, ye need not that I write 
unto you ; for ye yourselves are taught of God to love one 
another, 1 Thes. 4. 9. 

Q. I perceive by this, that it is by an inward anointing 
and rule that Christians are to be taught : is this the very 
tenor of the new covenant dispensation ? 

A. For this is the covenant that I will make with the 
house of Israel, after those days, saith the Lord ; I will 
put my laws into their mind, and write them in their 
hearts ; and I will be to them a God, and they shall be 
to me a people. And they shall not teach every man his 
neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know the 
Lord, for all shall know me, from the least to the great- 
est. Ileb. 8. 10, 11. 

And they shall be all taught of God. John 6. 45. 

Q. Did Christ then promise, that the Spirit should both 
abide with his disciples, and be in them ? 

A. And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you 
another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever, 
even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, 
because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him : but ye 
know him ; for he dwells with you, and shall be in you. 
John 14. 16, 17. 

Q. For what end were the scriptures written ? 

A. For whatsoever things were written aforetime, were 
written for our learning, that we through patience and 
comfort of the scriptures might have hope. Bom. 15. 4. 

Q. For what are they profitable ? 

A. Thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are 
able to make thee wise unto salvation, through faith which 
is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration 
of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for 



correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man 
of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good 
works. 2 Tim. 3. 15, 16, 17. 

Q. Wherein consists the excellency of the scriptures ? 

A. Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scrip- 
tures is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy 
came not in old time by the will of man, but holy men of 
God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Pet. 
1. 20, 21. 

Q. The scriptures are then to be regarded, because 
they came from the Spirit, and they also testify, that not 
they, but the Spirit, is to lead into all truth : in what re- 
spect doth Christ command to search them ? 

A. Search the scriptures, for in them ye think ye have 
eternal life, and they are they which testify of me. John 
5. 39. 

Q. I perceive there was a generation of old, that great- 
ly exalted the scriptures, and yet would not believe, nor 
come to be guided by that the scriptures directed to : 
How doth Christ bespeak such ? 

A. Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father ; 
there is one that accuseth you, even Moses, in whom ye 
trust. For had ye believed Moses, ye would have be- 
lieved me ; for he wrote of me. But if ye believe not 
his writings, how shall ye believe my words ? John 5. 
45, 46, 47. 

Q. What ought such then to be accounted of, notwith- 
standing of their pretences of being ruled by the scrip- 
tures ? 

A. In which are some things hard to be understood, 
which they that are unlearned and unstable, wrest, as 
they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruc- 
tion. 2 Pet. 3. 16. 

CHAP. III. 

Of Jesus Christ being manifest in the flesh : the use and 

end of it. 

Q. WHAT are the scriptures which do most observa- 
bly prophecy of Christ's appearance ? 



A. The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a prophet 
from the midst of thee, of thy brethren, like unto me, un- 
to him ye shall hearken. Beat. 18. 15. 

Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign : be- 
hold a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call 
his name Immanuel. Isa. 7. 14. 

Q. Was not Jesus Christ in being before he appeared 
in the flesh ? What clear scriptures prove this, against 
such as erroneously assert the contrary ? 

A. But thou Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little 
among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he 
come forth unto me, that is to be ruler in Israel, whose 
goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. 
Mic. 5. 2. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was 
with God, and the Word was God ; the same was in the 
beginning with God : all things were made by him, and 
without him was not any thing made that was made. John 
1. 1, 2, 3. 

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, 
before Abraham was, I am. John 8. 58. 

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own 
self, with the glory which 1 had with thee before the 
world was. John 17. 5. 

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the 
mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been 
hid in God, who created ail things by Jesus Christ. 
Eph. 3. 9. 

For by him were all things created that are in heaven, 
and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they 
be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers t 
all things were created by him, and for him. Col. 1.16, 

God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, 
whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also 
he made the worlds. Heb. 1. 2. 

Q. These are very clear, that even the world was cre- 
ated by Christ : but what scriptures prove the divinity of 
Christ, against such as falsely deny the same ? 

A. And the Word was God. John 1. 1. 

Whose are the fathers, and of whom, as concerning the 

B 2 



b 

flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed for ever. 
x\men. Rom. 9. 5. 

Who being in the form of God, thought it no robbery to 
be equal with God. Phil. 2. 6. 

And we know that the Son of God is come, and hath 
given us an understanding that we may know him that is 
true, and we are in him that is true, even in his Son Jesus 
Christ : this is the true God and eternal life. 1 John 
5. 20. 

Q. What are the glorious names the scripture gives 
unto Jesus Christ, the eternal Son of God ? 

A. And his name shall be called, Wonderful, Coun- 
sellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the 
Prince of Peace. Jsq. 9. 6. 

Who is the image of the invisible God, the first-born of 
every creature. Col. 1. 15. 

Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express 
image of his person (or more proper according to the 
Greek, of his substance.) Heb. 1. 3. 

And he was cloathed with a vesture dipt in blood ; 
and his name is called the Word of God. Rev. 19. 13. 

Q. After what manner was the birth of Christ ? 

A. Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise : 
when as his mother Mary was espoused to Joseph (before 
they came together) she was found with child of the Holy 
Ghost. Mat. 1. 18. 

And the angel said unto her, Fear not Mary, for thou 
hast found favour with God. And behold thou shalt con- 
ceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call 
his name Jesus : he shall be great, and shall be called the 
son of the Highest ; and the Lord God shall give unto 
him the throne of his father David. Then said Mary 
unto the angel, how shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 
And the angel answered and said unto her, the Holy 
Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest 
shall overshadow thee : therefore also that holy thing, 
that shall be born of thee, shall be called the Son of God. 
Luke 1. 30, 31, 32, 34, 35. 

Q. Was Jesus Christ, who was born of the virgin Ma- 
ry, and supposed to be the son of Joseph, a true and real 
man ? 



A. Forasmuch as the children are partakers of flesh and 
blood, he also himself took part of the same, that through 
death he might destroy him that had the power of death, 
that is, the devil. Heb. 2. 14. 

For verily he took not on him the nature of angels, but 
he took on him the seed of Abraham. Wherefore in all 
things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, 
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest, &c. 
Heb. 2. 16, 17. 

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched 
with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points 
tempted as we are, yet without sin. Heb. 4. 15. 

And the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jestis 
Christ, hath abounded unto many. Bom. 5. 15. 

But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the 
first fruits of them that slept. For since by man came 
death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. 
1 Cor, 15. 20, 21. 

Q. After what manner doth the scripture assert the 
conjunction and unity of the eternal Son of God, in and 
with the man Christ Jesus ? 

A. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among 
us (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only be- 
gotten of the Father) full of grace and truth. John 1. 14. 

For he whom God hath sent, speak eth the words of 
God ; for God giveth not the Spirit by measure unto 
him. John 3. 34. 

How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy- 
Ghost and with power, who went about doing good, and 
healing all that were oppressed of the devil ; for God 
was with him. Acts 10. 38. 

For it pleased the Father, that in him should all fulness 
dwell. Col. 1. 19. 

For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bo- 
dily. Col. 2. 9. 

In him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and know- 
ledge. Col. 2. 3. 

Q. For what end did Christ appear in the world ? 

A. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak 
through the flesh; God sending his Son, in the likeness of 



8 

sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh. 
Rom. 8. 3. 

For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that 
he might destroy the works of the devil. And ye know 
that he was manifested to take away our sins. 1 John 
3. 5. 8. 

Q. Was Jesus Christ really crucified and raised again? 

A. For I delivered unto you first of all, that which I 
also received, how that Christ died for our sins, accord- 
ing to the scriptures : and that he was buried, and that 
he rose again the third day n according to the scriptures. 
1 Cor. 15. 3, 4. 

Q. What end do the scriptures ascribe unto the com- 
ing, death and sufferings of Christ ? 

A. For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou 
hast prepared before the face of all people. A light to 
lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. 
Luke 2. 30 31, 32. 

Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through 
faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the re- 
mission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of 
God. Bom. 3. 25. 

And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and 
hath given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to 
God for a sweet smelling savour. Eph. 5. 2. 

And having made peace through the blood of his cross 
by him, to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I 
say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. 
And you that were some time alienated, and enemies in 
your minds by wicked works ; yet now hath he reconcil- 
ed in the body of his flesh, through death, to present you 
holy, unblamable and unreprovable in his sight. Col. 1. 
20, 21, 22. 

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his 
own blood, he entered in once into the holy place, having 
obtained eternal redemption for us. How much more 
shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit 
offered himself without spot to God, purge your con- 
sciences from dead works to serve the living God ? Heb. 
9. 12. 14. 

For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for 



the unjust (that he might bring us to God) being put to 
death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit. 1 Pet. 
3. 18. 

Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid 
down his life for us. 1 John 3. 16. 

And for this cause he is the mediator of the New Tes- 
tament, that by means of death for the redemption of the 
transgressions that were under the first Testament, they 
which are called, might receive the promise of the eternal 
inheritance. Heb. 9. 15. 

Q. Is Christ then the Mediator ? 

A. For there is one God and one Mediator between 
God and man, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a 
ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Tim. 2. 5. 

Q. Was not Christ the Mediator until he appeared, 
and was crucified in the flesh ? 

A. He is the Lamb that was slain from the foundation 
of the world. Rev. 5. 12, & 13. 8. 

Q. Is it needful then to believe, that the saints of old 
did partake of Christ, as then present with and nourish- 
ing them ? 

A. Moreover, brethren, I would not that ye should be 
ignorant, how that all our fathers were under the cloud, 
and all passed through the sea, and were all baptised un- 
to Moses in the clou8, and in the sea, and did all eat the 
same spiritual meat ; and did all drink the same spiritual 
drink ; (for they drank of that spiritual Rock that follow- 
ed them, and that Rock was Christ.) 1 Cor. 10. 1, 2, 3,4. 

Q. But whereas most of these scriptures before men- 
tioned, do hold forth, that the death and sufferings of 
Christ were appointed for the destroying, removing, and 
remitting of sin; did he so do it while he was outwardly 
upon earth, as not to leave any thing for himself to do in 
us, nor for us to do, in and by his strength ? 

A. For even hereunto were ye called because Christ 
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should 
follow r his steps. 1 Pet. 2. 21. 

Whereof I Paul am made a minister, who now rejoice 
in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind 
of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh, for his body's sake, 
which is the church. Col. 1. 23, 24. 



10 

Always bearing about in the body the dying of the 
Lord Jesus ; that the life also of Jesus might be made 
manifest in our body. For we which live, are alway de- 
livered unto death for Jesus's sake, that the life also of 
Jesus might be made manifest in our mortal flesh. 2 Cor. 
4. 10, 11. 

And that he died for all, that they which live, should 
not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him that 
died for them, and rose again. 2 Cor. 5. 15. 

That I may know him, and the power of his resurrec- 
tion, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made con- 
formable to his death. Phil. 3. 10. " 

CHAP. IV. 

Of the new birth, the inward appearance of Christ in 
spirit, and the unity of the saints with him. 

Q. DOTH Christ promise then to come again to his 
disciples ? 

A. I will not leave you comfortless $ I will come unto 
you. John 14. 18. 

Q. Was this only a special promise to these disciples ? 
or is.it not the common privilege of the saints ? 

A. For thus saith the high and lofty One, that inhabits 
eternity, whose name is Holy ; I dwell in the high and 
holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and hum- 
ble spirit, &c. Is a. 57. 15. 

For ye are the temple of the living God ; as God hath 
said, I will dwell in them and walk in them. 2 Cor. 6. 16. 

Behold I stand at the door and knock, if any man hear 
my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and 
sup with him, and he with me. Rev. 3. 20. 

Q. Doth the apostle Paul speak of the Son of God's 
being revealed in him ? 

A. But when it pleased God, who separated me from 
my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal 
his Son in me, that I might preach him among the hea- 
then. Gal. 1. 15, 16. 

Q. Is it needful then to know Christ within ? 

A. Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; 



11 

prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, 
how r that Jesus Christ is in you; except ye be reprobates. 
2 Cor. 13. 5. 

Q. Was the apostle earnest, that this inward birth of 
Christ should be brought forth in any ? 

A. My little children, of whom I travail in birth again, 
until Christ be formed in you. Gal. 4. 19. 

Q. What saith the same apostle, of the necessity of 
this inward knowledge of Christ, and of the new creature 
beyond the outward ? 

A. Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the 
flesh $ yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, 
yet now henceforth know we him no more. Therefore if 
any man be in Christ, he is a new creature ; old things 
are passed away, behold all things are become new. 
2 Cor. 5. 16, 17. 

But ye have not so learned Christ ; if so be that ye 
have heard him, and have been taught by him, as the 
truth is in Jesus : that ye put off, concerning the former 
conversation, the old man which is corrupt, according to 
the deceitful lusts ; and be renewed in the spirit of your 
mind ; and that ye put on the new man, which after God 
is created in righteousness and true holiness. Eph. 4. 
20, 21, 22, 23, 24. 

Q. Is this Christ within, the mystery of God and hope 
of glory, which the apostle preached ? 

A. To whom God would make known what is the rich- 
es of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles ; 
which is, Christ in you the hope of glory, whom we 
preach. Col. 1. 27, 28. 

Q. Doth the apostle any where else press the putting 
on of this new birth ? 

A. Put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no pro- 
vision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof. Rom. 13. 14. 

Q. Doth he write to any of the saints, as having put 
off the old, and put on the new man ? 

A. For as many of you as have been baptised into 
Christ, have put on Christ. Gal. 3. 27. 

Seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds, 
and have put on the new man, which is renewed in know- 



MBHMH 



12 

ledge after the image of him that created him. Col. 3, 
9. 10. 

Q. What speaketh Christ himself, of the necessity of 
this new birth ; 

A. Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, 
I say unto thee, except a man be born again he cannot 
see the kingdom of God. John 3.3. 

Q. Of what seed cometh this birth ? 

A. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of 
incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and 
abideth for ever. 1 Pet. K 23. 

Q. What doth the apostle Paul witness of himself con- 
cerning this new life ? 

A. I am crucified with Christ, nevertheless I live $ yet 
not I, but Christ liveth in me. Gal. 2. 20. 

Q. What is the preaching of the cross of Christ ? 

A. For the preaching of the cross is to them that pe- 
rish, foolishness ; but unto us that are saved, it is the 
power of God. 1 Cor. 1. 18. 

Q. What effect hath this cross in the apostle ? And 
how much preferreth he the new creature, to all outward 
and visible ordinances and observances ? 

A. But God forbid that I should glory, save in the 
cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is 
crucified unto me, and I unto the world : For in Jesus 
Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor un- 
circumcision, but a new creature. Gal. 6. 14, 15. 

Q. What speaketh Christ of the unity of the saints 
with him ? 

A. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, 
and you in me, and I in you. John 14. 20. 

Abide in me, and I in you ; as the branch cannot bear 
fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine, no more can ye, 
except ye abide in me : I am the Vine, ye are the bran- 
ches ; he that abideth in me, and I in him, the same 
bringeth forth much fruit ; for without me ye can do 
nothing. John 15. 4, 5. 

Neitlier pray I for these alone, but for them also which 
shall believe in me through their word : that they all may 
be one ; as thou Father art in me, and I in tnee, that 
they also may be one in us, that the world may believe 



that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest 
me, I have given them, that they may be one, even as we 
are one : I in them, and thou in me, that they may be 
made perfect in one, and that the world may know that 
thou hast sent me, and hast loved them as thou hast loved 
me. John 17. 20, 21, 22, 23. 

Q. What saith the apostle Paul to this purpose ? 

A. For both he that sanctifies, and they that are sanc- 
tified, are all of one ; for which cause he is not ashamed 
to call them brethren. Heb. 2. 11. 

Q. What saith the apostle Peter ? 

A. Whereby are given unto us, exceeding great and 
precious promises, that by these ye might be partakers 
of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that 
is in the world through lust. 2 Pet. 1. 4. 

CHAP. V. 

Concerning the light wherewith Jesus Christ hath enlight- 
ened every man: the universality and sufficiency of 
God's grace, to all the world, made manifest therein. 

Q. WHEREIN consists the love of God towards fallen 
and lost man ? 

A. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only 
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should 
not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3. 10. 

In this was manifested the love of God towards us, 
because that God sent his only begotten Son into the 
world, that we might live through him. 1 John 4. 9. 

Q. What is intended here by the world ? all and every 
man, or only a few ? 

A. But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than 
the angels, for the suffering of death, crowned with glory 
and honour ; that he by the grace of God should taste 
death for every man. Heb. 2. 9. 

And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the 
Father, Jesus Christ the righteous, and he is the propitia- 
tion for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the 
sins of the whole world. 1 John 2. 1, 2. 

C 



14 

Q. Methinks the apostle John is very plain there, in 
mentioning the whole world, which must be not only the 
saints, but all others, seeing he distinguished the world 
from him sell', and all the saints to whom he then wrote : 
What saith Paul elsewhere in this matter ? 

A. Christ in you, the hope of glory, whom we preach, 
warning every man, and teaching every man in all wis- 
dom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ 
Jesus. Col. 1. 27, 28. 

I exhort therefore, that first of all, supplications, pray- 
ers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all 
men : for this is good and acceptable in the sight of God 
our Saviour, who will have all men to be saved, and to 
come to the knowledge of the truth ; who gave himself a 
ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 1 Tim. 2. 1. 
3, 4. 6. 

Q. What : f the apostle Peter's testimony in this ? 

A. The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, (as 
some men count slackness) but is long-suffering to us- ward, 
not willing that any should perish, but that all should 
come to repentance. 2 Pet. 3. 9. 

Q. Are there any more scripture passages that prove 
this thing ? 

A. Say unto them, as I live, saith the Lord God, I 
have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the 
wicked turn from his way and live. Eztk. 33. 11. 

The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion ; slow to 
anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all, and 
his tender mercies are over all his works. Psalm 145. 

To wit, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world 
unto himself. 2 Cor. 5. 19. 

Q. Seeing then by these scriptures, it appears that the 
love of God is held out to all, that all might have been, or 
may be saved by Christ ; what is to be judged of those 
who assert, that God nor Christ never purposed love nor 
salvation to a great part of mankind, and that the coming 
and sufferings of Christ never were intended, nor could 
be useful to their justification ; but will and must be ef- 
fectual for their condemnation, even according to God's 
purpose^ who from their very infancy to their grave, with- 



15 

held from them all means of salvation ? What saith the 
scripture to such ? 

A. For God sent not his Son into the world to con- 
demn the world, but that the world through him might be 
saved. John 3. 17. 

I am come a light into the world, that whosoever be- 
lieveth on me, should not abide in darkness. And if any 
man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not ; 
for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 
John 12. 46, 47. 

Q. From what scripture then come these men to wrest 
an opinion so contrary to truth ? 

A. For the children being not yet born, neither having 
done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according 
to election might stand, not of works but of him that 
calleth, it was said unto her, the elder shall serve the 
younger ; as it is written, Jacob have I loved, but Esau 
have I hated. Rom. 9. 11, 12, 13. 

Q. I perceive in that scripture it was only said, before 
the children were born, the elder shall serve the younger ; 
these other words (Jacob have I loved, Esau have I 
hated) are mentioned out of the prophet Malachi, who 
wrote them many hundred years after both were dead : 
doth not the scripture mention any other cause of God's 
hating Esau, than merely his decree ? What saith the 
same apostle elsewhere ? 

A. Lest there be any fornicator, or profane person, as 
Esau, who for one morsel of meat sold his birth-right : 
for ye know how that afterward when he would have in- 
herited the blessing, he was rejected. Heb. 12. 16, 17. 

Q. But seeing that such allege, that it is because of 
Adam's sin, that many, even children, are damned ; doth 
not the scripture aver, that the death of Christ was as 
large to heal, as x\dam's sin could be to condemn ? 

A. For if through the offence of one, many be dead, 
much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which 
is by one man Jesus Christ. Therefore as by the offence 
of one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; 
even so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came 
upon all men unto justification of life. Bom. 5. 15. 18. 

Q. That proves abundantly, that Christ's death is of 



16 

sufficient extent, to make up any hurt Adam's sin brought 
upon mankind : what is then the cause of condemnation? 

A. He that believeth on him is not condemned ; but 
he that believeth not, is condemned already, because he 
hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of 
God. John 3. 18. 

And with all deceivableness ofunrighteousnessinthem 
that perish, because they received not the love of the 
truth, that they might be saved. And for this cause God 
shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a 
lie, that they all might be, damned who believe not the 
truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thes. 2. 
10, 11, 12. 

Q. Seeing it is of a truth, according to the scripture's 
testimony, that God has purposed love and mercy to all, 
in the appearance of his Son Jesus Christ ; is the gospel 
or glad tidings of this salvation, brought nigh unto all, by 
which they are put into a capacity of receiving the grace, 
and being saved by it ? 

A. If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, 
and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, 
which ye have heard, and which was preached to every 
creature which is under heaven, whereof I Paul am made 
a minister. Col. 1. 23. 

Q. What is the gospel ? 

A. I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ ; for it is 
the power of God unto salvation, to every one that be- 
lieveth. Rom. 1. 16. 

Q. Is the gospel hid ? 

A. If our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost, 
in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of 
them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gos- 
pel of Christ who is the image of God should shine unto 
them. 2 Cor. 4. 3, 4. 

Q. Is the light then come into the world ? and are not 
men condemned because they love it not, and not because 
it is hid from them ? 

A. And this is the condemnation, that light is come 
into the world, and men love darkness rather than light. 
John 3. 19. 

Q. Why do they so ? 



17 

A. Because their deeds are evil. John 3. 19. 

Q. Is every man enlightened by this light ? 

A. He was not that light, but was sent to bear witness 
of that light, that was the true light, which lighteth 
every man that cometh into the world. John 1. 8, 9. 

Q. Doth this light discover all things ? 

A. All things that are reproved are made manifest by 
the light ; for whatsoever doth make manifest, is light. 
Eph. 5. 13. 

Q. Do evil men preach up this light, or mind it ? 

A. Every one that doth evil, hateth the light, neither 
cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 
John 3. 20. 

They are of those that rebel against the light. Job 
24. 13. 

Q. Do good men love it and follow it ? 

A. He that doeth truth, cometh to the light, that his 
deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in 
God. John 3. 21. 

Q. What benefit doth redound to such as love the 
light, and walk in it ? 

A. If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we 
have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus 
Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all sin. 1 John 1. 7. 

Q. Doth Christ command to take heed to the light? 

A. While ye have the light, believe in the light, that 
ye maybe the children of the light. John 12. 36. 

Q, Were the apostles commanded to turn people to 
the light? 

A. Delivering thee from the people, and from the Gen- 
tiles, unto whom now I send thee, to open their eyes, 
and to turn them from darkness unto light, and from the 
power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgive- 
ness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanc- 
tified, through faith that is in me. Acts 26. 17, 18. 

Q. Doth this light abide with every man all his life 
time , in order to save, or only during the day of his visi- 
tation ? 

A. Yet a little while is the light with you : walk while 

C 2 



18 

ye have the light, lest darkness come upon you. John 
12. 35. 

Again, he limiteth a certain day, saying in David, To- 
day after so long a time : as it is said, To-day, if ye will 
hear his voice, harden not your hearts. Heb. 4. 7. 

Q. How can it be proved, that there is a day, wherein 
people may know things concerning their peace, which 
afterwards may be hid from them ? 

A. And when he was come near, he beheld the city, 
and wept over it, saying, if thou hadst known, even thou, 
at least in this thy day, the* things which belong unto thy 
peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. Luke 19. 
41, 42. 

Q. Is there any other scripture proof of the Lord's 
willingness to gather a people who would not, and there- 
fore were condemned ? 

A. Jerusalem, Jerusalem ! thou that killest the pro- 
phets, and stonest them which are sent unto thee : how 
often would I have gathered thy children together, even 
as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye 
would not ? Mat. 23. 37 '.—Luke 13. 34. 

Then his Lord, after that he had called him, said unto 
him, thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, 
because thou desiredst me : Shouldest not thou also have 
had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity 
on thee ? and his Lord was wroth, and delivered him to 
the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto 
him. Mat. 18. 32, 33, 34. 

Then Paul and Barnabas waxed bold, and said, it was 
necessary that the word of God should first have been 
spoken to you ; but seeing ye put it from you, and judge 
yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, lo, we turn to the 
Gentiles. Acts 13.46. 

Because I have called, and ye refused 5 I have stretch- 
ed out my hand, and no man regarded : but ye have set 
at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: 
I also will laugh at your calamity, I will mock when your 
fear cometh. Prov. 1. 24, 25,26. 

And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation; 
and concerning a kingdom, to build, and to plant it : if it 
do evil in my sight that it obey not my voice, then will I 



19 

repent of the good wherewith I said I would benefit them. 
Jcr. 18. 9, 10. 

Q. Doth God's Spirit strive then for a season, and af- 
ter w ard s forbear ? 

A. And the Lord said, my Spirit shall not always strive 
with man. Gen. 6. 3. 

Q. May it then be resisted ? 

A. Ye stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and 
ears, ye do always resist the Holy Ghost ; as your Fathers 
did, so do ye. Acts 7. 51. 

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against 
all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the 
truth in unrighteousness. Rom. 1. 18. 

Q. Hath God manifested to man that which may be 
known of himself ? 

A. That which may be known of God, is manifest in 
them ; for God hath shewed it unto them. Rom. 1. 19. 

Q. Is then this light or seed sown in the heart of evil 
men? 

A. And he spake many things to them in parables ; 
Behold, a sower went forth to sow, and when he sowed, 
some seeds fell by the way side, &c. Some fell among 
stonv places, &c. And some fell among thorns, &c. Mat. 
13. 3, 4, 5. 7. 

Q. Are these places, where the seed is said to have 
fallen, understood of the hearts of men ? 

A. Hear ye therefore the parable of the sov/er. When 
any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and under- 
standeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catch- 
eth away that which was sown in his heart ; this is he 
which received the seed by the way side, &c. Mat. 13. 
18, 19. 

Q. Is this seed small in its first appearance ? 

A. The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard- 
seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which in- 
deed is the least of all seeds. Mat. 13. 31, 32. 

Q. Forasmuch as many understand not this, under the 
notion and appellation of light or seed, it being quite 
another dialect than the common ; though I must needs 
confess, it is the very language of the scriptures ; is a 
saving manifestation of the Spirit given unto all ? 




20 

A. The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every 
man to profit withal. 1 Cor. 12. 7. 

Q. Sure, if it be to profit withal, it must be in order to 
save; for if it were not useful, yea, sufficient to save, 
what profit could it be of ? but in regard some speak of a 
grace that is common, and of a grace that is saving, is 
there such a grace common unto all, as brings salvation ? 

A. The grace of God that brings salvation, hath appear- 
ed unto all men. Tit. 2. 11. 

Q. That which brings salvation must needs be saving; 
what doth that grace teach us ? 

A. Teaching us, that denying ungodliness and worldly 
lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in 
this present world. Tit. 2. 22. 

Q. Certainly that which teacheth both righteousness 
and godliness must be sufficient ; for therein consisteth 
the whole duty of man : What saith the apostle elsewhere 
of this instructor ? 

A. And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to 
the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and 
to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanc- 
tified. Acts 20. 32. 

Q. What is the word of God ? 

A. The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharp- 
er than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the divid- 
ing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and mar- 
row, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the 
heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest 
in his sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes 
of him with whom we have to do. Heb. 4. 12, 13. 

Q. Ought we to take heed to this word ? 

A. We have also a more sure word of prophecy, 
whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light 
that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the 
day-star arise in your heart. 2 Pet. 1. 19. 

Q. I perceive the scriptures are very clear both con- 
cerning the universality and sufficiency of this light, seed, 
grace and word of God ; but is this word nigh or afar off, 
inward or outward ? 

A. Say not in thine heart, who shall ascend into hea- 
ven ? that is, to bring Christ down from above. Or, who 



21 

shall descend into the deep ? that is, to bring up Christ 
again from the dead. But what saith it ? the word is 
nigh thee, in thy mouth and in thy heart ; that is the word 
of faith which we preach. Rom. 10. 6, 7\ 8. 

Q. That is clear, as to the word ; is there any scrip- 
ture speaks of the light's being inward ? 

A. God, who commanded the light to shine out of 
darkness, hath shmed in our hearts, to give the light of 
the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus 
Christ. But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, 
that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not 
of us. 2 Cor. 4. 6, 7. 

Q. But seeing it is also called the seed of the kingdom, 
is the kingdom of God also within ? 

A. The kingdom of God cometh not with observation ; 
neither shall they say, lo here, or lo there ; for behold, 
the kingdom of God is within you. Luke 17. 20, 21. 

CHAP. YI. 

Concerning faith, justification^ and works. 

Q. WHAT is faith? 

A. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the 
evidence of things not seen. Heb. 11. 1. 

Q. Is faith of absolute necessity? 

A. Without faith it is impossible to please him, for he 
that cometh to God, must believe that he is, and that he 
is a re warder of them that diligently seek him. Heb. 11.6. 

Q. Are w r e justified by faith ? 

A. Wherefore the law was our school-master to bring 
us unto Christ, that w 7 e might be justified by faith. Gal. 
3. 24. 

Q, What is the nature of this iaith that availeth to jus- 
tification ? 

A. For in Jesus Christ, neither circumcision availeth 
any thing, nor uncircumcision, but faith which worketh 
by love. Gal. 5. 6. 

Q. Are works then necessary to justification, as well 
as faith ? 

A. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without 



22 

works is dead? was not Abraham our father justified by 
works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? 
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by 
works was faith made perfect ? and the scripture was ful- 
filled, which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was im- 
puted unto him for righteousness : and he was called the 
friend of God. Ye see then how that by works a man is 
justified, and not by faith only. James 2. 20 to 24. 

Q. If then both be equally required in justification, 
what are these works which the apostle excludes so much? 

A. By the deeds of the law, there shall no flesh be jus- 
tified in his sight. Bom. 3. 20. 

Q. But though we be not justified by the deeds of the 
law, is not this to exclude boasting, that the grace of God 
may be exalted ? 

A. For by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that 
not of yourselves, it is the gift of God ; not of works, lest 
any man should boast, for we are his workmanship, cre- 
ated in Christ Jesus unto good works. Eph. 2. 8, 9, 10. 

Q. Are even the works which are performed by grace 
excluded ? Are we never said to be saved or justified by 
them? 

A. Not by works of righteousness which we have done, 
but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of 
regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost, which he 
shed on us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Saviour ; 
that being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs, 
according to the hope of eternal life. Tit. 3. 5, 6, 7. 

Q. I perceive then, that to be justified by grace, is to 
be justified or saved by regeneration, which cannot ex- 
clude the works wrought by grace and by the Spirit ; how 
doth the apostle add in the next verse, for the maintain- 
ing this against those that cavil about the law ? 

A. This is a faithful saying, and these things I will 
that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed 
in God, might be careful to maintain good works. These 
things are good and profitable unto men. But avoid fool- 
ish questions, and genealogies, and contentions, and 
strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and 
vain. Tit. 3. 8, 9. 

Q. Doth the apostle Paul, that is so much against jus- 



23 

tification by the works of the law, speak any where else 
of being justified by the Spirit? 

A. But ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye 
are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the 
Spirit of our God. 1 Cor. 6. 11. 

Q. But since the law gives not power nor ability to 
obey, and so falls short of justification, is there no power 
under the gospel, by which the righteousness of the law 
comes to be fulfilled inwardly ? 

A. For what the law could not do, in that it was weak 
through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the like- 
ness of sinful flesh, and for sin condemned sin in the flesh: 
that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us, 
who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Rom. 
8. 3,4. 

Q. Seeing then there is a power in the Spirit, is not 
works through it, a condition upon which life is proposed 
under the new covenant ? 

A. For if ye live after the flesh, ye shall die ; but if ye 
through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, ye 
shall live. Rom. 8. 13. 

Q. Do not the apostles then frequently propose life to 
people, upon condition of repentance and other works ? 

A. Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your 
sins may be blotted out. Acts 3. 1 9. 

And if children, then heirs $ heirs of God, and joint 
heirs with Christ ; if so be that we suiter with him, 
that we may also be glorified together. Rom. 8. 17. 

It is a faithful saying : for if we be dead with him, we 
shall also live with him $ if we suffer, we shall also reign 
with him. If a man therefore purge himself from these, 
he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified and meet for 
the master's use, and prepared unto every good work. 
2 Tim. 2. 11, 12. 21. 

Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and. 
repent, and do the first works, or else I will come unto 
thee quickly, and remove thy candlestick out of his place, 
except thou repent. Rev. 2. 5. 

Q. It appears clearly by these passages, that the apos- 
tle excludes only our righteousness, which he elsewhere 
explains, as being the righteousness of the law, from be- 



24 

irf£ necessary to justification, and not such works as the 
law of the spirit of life leads to, and are not so much ours 
as Christ in us; are not such good works rewarded, 
though they require no absolute merit, as being the fruits 
of free grace ; yet doth not God judge according to them, 
and may they not be said to have a reward ? 

A. But if a man be just, and do that which is lawful 
and right, and hath not eaten upon the mountains, neither 
hath lift up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, 
neither hath defiled his neighbour's wife, neither hath 
come near to a menstruous woman; and hath not oppressed 
any, but hath restored to the debtor his pledge, hath 
spoiled none by violence, hath given his bread to the hun- 
gry, and hath covered the naked with a garment : he that 
hath not given forth upon usury, neither hath taken any 
increase; that hath withdrawn his hand from iniquity, 
hath executed true judgment between man and man, hath 
walked in my statutes, and hath kept my judgments, to 
deal truly ; he is just, he shall surely live, saith the Lord- 
God. Ezek. 18. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. 

For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of his Fa- 
ther, with his angels, and then he shall reward every man 
according to his works. Mat. 16. 27. 

Then Peter opened his mouth and said, of a truth I 
perceive that God is no respecter of persons : but in every 
nation, he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, 
is accepted with him. Acts 10. 34, 35. 

The righteous judgment of God ; who will render to 
every man according to his deeds : to them, who by pa- 
tient continuance in well doing, seek for glory and honour, 
and immortality, eternal life : but glory, honour and 
peace to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, 
and also to the Gentile. Rom. 2.5, 6, 7. 10. 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of 
Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his 
body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good 
or bad. 2 Cor. 5. 10. 

Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of 
God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of 
God, for which ye also suffer. 2 Thes. 1. 5. 

But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and 



25 

continueth therein, lie being not a forgetful hearer, but a 
doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed, 
James 1. 25. 

Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath 
great recompense of reward. Heb. 10. So. 

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of 
persons, judgeth according to every man's work, pass the 
time of your sojourning here in fear. 1. Pet. 1. 17. 

And behold I come quickly, and my reward is with 
me, to give every man according as his work shall be. 
Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they 
may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in 
through the gates into the city. Rev. 22. 12. 14. 

Q. It should seem that the purpose of God, in sending 
his Son the Lord Jesus Christ, was not simply to save 
man by an imputative righteousness altogether without 
them ; but also by the washing of regeneration, or an in- 
ward righteousness : What saith the scripture further 
of this ? 

A. And thou shalt call his name Jesus, for he shall 
save his people from their sins. Mat. 1. 21. 

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appear- 
ing of the great God, and our Saviour Jesus Christ, who 
gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all in- 
iquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous 
of good works. Tit. 2. 13, 14. 

CHAP- VII. 

Concerning perfection, or freedom from sin. 

Q. I perceive then by all these scriptures afore-men- 
tioned, that Christ, as well as he hath purchased pardon 
for our sins, hath also obtained power by which we may 
even here be cleansed from the filth of them : May we 
expect then in this life to be freed from the dominion of 
sin ? 

A. For sin shall not have dominion over you. Rom. 
6. 14. 

Q. For what reason ? 

D 



26 

A. For ye are not under the law, but under grace. 
Horn. 6. 14. 

Q. How cometh the apostle then to cry out and com- 
plain of sin, saying, who shall deliver me from the body 
of this deatii ? Doth he speak that as a condition al- 
ways permanent to him and other saints, or only that 
which he had passed through ? What saith he after- 
wards ? 

A. There is therefore now no condemnation to them 
which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, 
but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in 
Christ Jesus, hath made me free from the law of sin and 
death. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ ? 
Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, 
or nakedness, or peril, or sword ? (As it is written, For 
thy sake we are killed all the day long : we are counted 
as sheep for the slaughter.) Nay, in all these things we 
are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For 
I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels, 
nor principalities, nor powers; nor things present, nor 
things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other crea- 
ture, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, 
which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8. 1, 2. 35 
to 39. 

Q. What saith that apostle then unto such, who tak- 
ing occasion from his words, should plead for continu- 
ance in sin for term of life, and think to be saved by the 
imputative righteousness of Christ, as being under grace ? 
A. What shall we say then ? Shall we continue in 
sin, that grace may abound ? God forbid. Rom. 6. 1, 2. 
What then ? Shall we sin, because we are not under 
the law, but under grace ? God forbid. Rom. 6. 15. 

Q. Is not the apostle then so far from supposing that 
condition, of being always under sin, to be his own con- 
stant condition, or that of all the saints, that he even 
supposes many of the then church of Rome, to whom he 
wrote, to be free of it ? How bespeaketh he them, as in 
relation to this matter ? 

A. How shall we that are dead to sin, live any longer 
therein ? Know ye not, that so many of us as were bap- 
tised into Jesus Christ, were baptised into his death ? 



27 

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death ; 
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the 
glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in new- 
' ness of life. For if we have been planted together in the 
likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of 
his resurrection ; knowing this, that our old man is cru- 
cified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, 
that henceforth we should not serve sin. For he that is 
dead, is freed from sin. Likewise reckon ye also your- 
selves to be dead indeed unto sin 5 but alive unto God, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Let not sin therefore 
reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the 
lusts thereof. Neither yield ye your members as instru- 
ments of unrighteousness unto sin ; but yield yourselves 
unto God, as those that are alive from the dead ; and your 
members as instruments of righteousness unto God. 
Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves servants 
to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey, whether 
of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness r 
but God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, 
but ye have obeyed from the heart, that form of doctrine 
which was delivered unto you; being then made free 
from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness. I 
speak after the manner of men, because of the infirmity 
of your flesh 5 for as ye have yielded your members ser- 
vants to uncleanness, and to iniquity, unto iniquity $ ev- 
en so now yield your members servants to righteousness, 
unto holiness. For when ye were the servants of sin, ye 
were free from righteousness. What fruit had ye then 
in those things whereof ye are now ashamed ? For the 
end of those things is death. But now, being made free 
from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit 
unto holiness, and the end everlasting; life. For the wa- 
ges of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life, 
through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 
7. 11, 12, 13. 16 to 23. 

Q. It would appear then, that God requires of us to be 
perfect ? 

A. Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which 
is in heaven is perfect. Mat. 5. 48. 

Q, Is it then possible to keep the commandments r 



28 

A. My yoke is easy and my burthen is light. For this 
is the love of God, that we keep his commandments, and 
his commandments are not grievous. Mat. 11. 30. — 1 
John 5. 3. 

Q. Is it necessary then for salvation, to keep the com- 
mandments ? 

A. Blessed are they that do his commandments, that 
they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in 
through the gates into the city. Rev. 22. 14. 

Q. Do you understand by this perfection, that any 
have kept the commandments, as never to have sinned ? 

A. If we say that we have not sinned, we make him a 
liar, and his word is not in us. 1 John 1. 10. 

Q. Do you understand, that those who are perfect may 
say, they have no sin, or only that having sinned, and so 
having sin, in respect they once sinned, as the apostle in 
the passage oited mentions ; may they notwithstanding 
thereof, come to know forgiveness for the guilt, but also 
cleansing from the filth ? 

A. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, 
and the truth is not in us : if we confess our sin, he is 
faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us 
from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1. 8, 9. 

Q. That scripture seems to be very plain, being com- 
pared with the other before mentioned : but because some 
are apt to mistake and wrest the words of the apostle, 
what saith he elsewhere ? Did he judge any could know 
God, or be true Christians, who kept not the command- 
ments ? 

A. My little children, these things write I unto you, 
that ye sin not ; and if any man sin, we have an advocate 
with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous : and hereby 
do we know that we know him, if we keep his command- 
ments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his 
commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 
But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of 
God perfected : hereby know we that we are in him. He 
that saith he abideth in him, ought himself also to walk 
even as he walked. 1 John 2. 1. 3, 4, 5, 6. 

Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not 
yet appear what we shall be, but we know, that when he 



29 

shall appear, we shall be like him, for we shall see him 
as he is : and every man that hath this hope in him, pu- 
rifieth himself, even as he is pure. Whosoever commit- 
teth sin, transgresseth also the law, for sin is the trans- 
gression of the law. And ye know that he was manifest- 
ed to take away our sins ; and in him is no sin. Who- 
soever abideth in him sinneth not. Whosoever sinneth r 
hath not seen him, neither known him. Little children, 
let no man deceive you : he that doeth righteousness is 
righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth 
sin is of the devil ; for the devil sinneth from the begin- 
ning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, 
that he might destroy the works of the devil. Whosoever 
is born of God, doth not commit sin ; for his seed remain- 
eth in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 
In this the children of God are manifest, and the children 
of the devil. Whosoever doth not righteousness, is not 
of God, neither he that loveth not his brother. 1 John 3. 
2 to 10. 

Q. It is very plain by these passages, that the apostles 
were far of another mind, than those that plead for sin 
during term of life, and much against the deceit of those 
who will esteem themselves good Christians while they 
live in their sins. 

A. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, 
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doth 
the will of my Father which is in heaven. Therefore, 
whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, 
I will liken him to a wise man, which built his house upon 
a rock. Mat. 7. 21. 24. 

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them. 
John 13. 17. 

Q. What saith the apostle Paul further concerning the 
needfulness of this thing r 

A. Circumcision is nothing, and uncircumcision is 
nothing ; but the keeping of the commandments of God. 
1 Cor. 7. 19. 

Q. Was not this according to the apostle Paul's judg- 
ment, the very intention of Christ, to have his church and 
children to be pure and without spot ? 

D2 



30 

A. According as he has chosen us in him before the 
foundation of the world, that we should be holy, and 
without blame before him in love. Eph. 1. 4. 

Even as Christ also loved the church, and gave him- 
self for it, that he might sanctify and cleanse it, that he 
might present it to himself a glorious church, not having 
spot or wrinkle, or any such thing, but that it should be 
holy and without blemish. Eph. 5. 25, 26, 27. 

Q. Doth not Paul press ^the same thing further, besides 
the other passages above mentioned ? 

A. Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, 
let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh 
and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. Final- 
ly, brethren, farewell ; be perfect. Christ in you the 
hope of glory, whom we preach, warning every man, and 
teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present 
every man perfect in Christ Jesus. Labouring fervently 
for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and com- 
plete in all the will of God. To the end he may esta- 
blish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God. 
And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly ; and I 
pray God, your whole spirit and soul, and body, be pre- 
sented blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus 
Christ. 2 Cor. 7.1.— 2 Cor. 13. 11.— Col. 1.28.— Col. 
4. 12.— 1 Thes. 3. 13.— 1 Thes. 5. 23. 

Q. Is not this then the very end for which God ap- 
pointed teachers in his church ? 

A. And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, 
and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for 
the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, 
for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in 
the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of 
God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature 
of the fulness of Christ. Eph. 4. 11, 12, 13. 

Q. Seeing this is so much pressed by the holy men, 
doth not the scripture, which cannot lie, give none of the 
saints this testimony, as being free from sin at some 
times, and so not always and daily sinning, as is supposed? 

A. Noah was a just man, and perfect in his genera- 
tions ; and Noah walked with God. And the Lord said 
unto Satan, hast thou considered my servant Job, that 



31 

there is none like him in the earth, a perfect and an up- 
right man, one that feareth God, and escheweth evil. 
There was in the days of Herod, king of Judea, a certain 
priest, named Zacharias, of the course of Abia ; and his 
wife was of the daughters of Aaron, and her name was 
Elizabeth ; and they were both righteous before God, 
walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the 
Lord blameless. Gen. 6. 9. — Job 1. 8. — Lake 1. 5,6. 
. Q. That proves sufficiently as to particular persons ; 
but what doth the scripture intimate of this, even of con- 
siderable numbers ? 

A. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love 
wherewith he hath loved us, even when we were dead in 
sia, hath quickened us together with Christ, and hath 
raised us up together, and made us sit together iu heaven- 
ly places in Christ Jesus. But ye are come unto Mount 
Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly 
Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, to 
the general assembly and church of the first-born, which 
are written in heaven, to. God the judge of all, and to the 
spirits of just men made perfect. And I looked, and lo, 
a Lamb stood on Mount Sion, and with him an hundred 
forty and four thousand, having his Father's name writ- 
ten in their foreheads. These are they which were not 
defiled with women ; for they are virgins : these are they 
which follow the Lamb wheresoever he goeth: These were 
redeemed from among men, being the first fruits unto 
God, and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found 
no guile, for they are without fault before the throne of 
God. Eph. 2. 4, 5, 6.—Heb. 12. 22, <23.—Bev. 14, 
1. A.— Rev. 5. 14. 

CHAP. VIII. 

Concerning perseverance, and falling from Grace. 

Q. IS it enough for a believer, to be sure that he hath 
once received true grace r or is there any further cer- 
tainty requisite ? 

A. Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to 



32 

make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these 
things ye shall never fall. 2 Pet. 1. 10. 

Q. May one that hath received true grace, have ground 
to fear ; or suppose he can fall ? 

A. But I keep under my body, and bring it into sub- 
jection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to 
others, I myself should become a castaway. 1 Cor. 9.27. 

Q. That greatly contradicteth the doctrine of such as 
say, once in grace, ever in grace : But doth the apostle 
Paul express this only out "of an humble esteem of him- 
self? or doth he judge or suppose the like of other 
saints ? 

A. Take heed, brethren, lest there be in any of you an 
evil heart of unbelief, in departing from the living God. 
But exhort one another daily, while it is called to-day ; 
lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of 
sin. Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest 
any man fall after the same example of unbelief. For it 
is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and 
have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made parta- 
kers of the Holy Ghost, and have tasted the good word 
of God, and the powers of the world to come; if they 
shall fall away, to renew them again unto repentance : 
seeing they crucify to themselves the Son of God afresh, 
and put him to an open shame. Looking diligently, lest 
any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitter- 
ness springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be de- 
filed. Heb. 3. 12, 13.— 4. 11.— 6. 4, 5, 6.— 12. 15. 

Q. Doth he speak this only by supposition, or doth he 
assert it not only possible, but certain ? 

A. For the time will come, when they will not endure 
sound doctrine ; but after their own lusts shall they heap 
to themselves teachers, having itching ears. And they 
shall turn their ears from the truth, and shall be turned 
unto fables. 2 Tim. 4. 3, 4. 

Q. Doth the apostle even judge it necessary to guard 
such an one, as his beloved son Timothy, against this 
hazard ? 

A. This charge I commit unto thee, son Timothy, ac- 
cording to the prophecies which went before on thee, that 
thou by them mightest war a. good warfare, holding faith 



33 

and a good conscience; which some having put away, con- 
cerning faith have made shipwreck. For the love of 
money is the root of all evil ; which while some coveted 
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced them- 
selves through with many sorrows. And their word will 
eat as doth a canker ;" of whom is Hymeneus and Phile- 
tus, who concerning the truth have erred, saying, that the 
resurrection is passed already ; and overthrow the faith 
of some. 1 Tim. 1. 18, 19.— 6. 10.— 2 Tim. 2.17, 18. 

Q. Doth the apostle any where express his fears of this, 
as a thing that may happen to any number of people, who 
once truly received the faith of Christ ? 

A. Well ; because of unbelief they were broken off, 
. and thou standest by faith. Be not high-minded, but fear. 
Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter 
times some shall depart from the faith, &c. For this 
cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know 
your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted 
you, and our labour be in vain. Rom. 11. 20. — 1 Tim. 
4. 1.— 1 Thes. 3. 5. 

Q. What is the apostle Peter's mind ; does he judge, 
that such as have known the right way, may forsake it ? 

A. Cursed children, which have forsaken the right 
way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam 
the son of Besor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness ; 
but was rebuked for his iniquity $ the dumb ass speaking 
with man's voice, forbad the madness of the prophet. 
These are wells without water. Clouds that are carried 
with a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved 
for ever. For when they speak great swelling words of 
vanity, they allure through the lust of the flesh, through 
much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from 
them who live in error. For if after they have escaped 
the pollutions of the world, through the knowledge of the 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled 
therein, and overcome ; the latter end is worse with them 
than the beginning : for it had been better for them, not 
to have known the way of righteousness, than after they 
have know r n it, to turn from the holy commandment de-> 
livered unto them. But it is happened unto them, ac- 
cording to the true proverb, the dog is turned to his vo 



tea 



34 

mit again, and the sow that was washed, to her wallowing 
in the mire. 2 Pet. 2. 14 to 22. 

Q. Gives he any cautions to them that stand, as sup- 
posing they may also fall ? 

A. Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things 
before, beware, lest ye also being led away with the error 
of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. 2 Pet. 
3. 17. 

Q. May a man be truly a branch in Christ, or a real 
member of his body, and afterwards be cut oft* ? 

A. If any man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a 
branch, and is withered. John 15. 16. 

Q. May a righteous man then depart from his righte- 
ousness ? 

A. But when the .righteous man turneth away from his 
righteousness, and committeth iniquity, and dieth in 
them 5 for his iniquity that he hath done, he shall die. 
Ezek. 18. 26. and 33. 13. 

Q. May a believer come to such a condition in this 
life, from which he cannot fall away ? 

A. Him that overcometh, will I make a pillar in the 
temple of my God, and he shall go no more out ; and I 
will write upon him the name of my God, and the name 
of the city of my God, which is New Jerusalem, which 
cometh down out of heaven from my God, and I will 
write upon him my new name. Rev. 3. 12. 

Q. May such an one come to be assured that he is in 
this condition ? 

A. For I am persuaded, that neither death nor life, 
nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things pre- 
sent, nor things to come : nor height, nor depth, nor any 
other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love 
of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 8. 
38. 39. 

CHAP. IX. 

Concerning the Church and Ministry. 



Q. WHAT is the church ? 

A. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thot 



35 

oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is 
the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the 
truth. 1 Tim. 3. 15. 

Q. Who is the head of the church ? 

A. Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, 
and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: 
And he is the head of the body, the church, from which 
all the body by joints and bands, having nourishment min- 
istered and knit together, increaseth with the increase of 
God. Col. 1. 13. and 2. 19. 
. Q. What kind of persons make the church ? 

A. Them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus. 1 Cor, 
1. 2. 

And the Lord added to the church daily such as should 
be saved. Acts 2. 47. 

Q. Hath not Christ appointed officers in the church, 
for the work of the ministry ? 

A. Wherefore he saith, when he ascended up on high, 
he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men. And 
he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some 
evangelists, and some pastors and teachers ; for the per- 
fecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the 
edification of the body of Christ. Eph. 4. 8. 11, 12. 

Q. W^hat kind of men should such as are teachers and 
overseers of the church be ? 

A. A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of 
one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to 
hospitality, apt to teach ; not given to wine, no striker, 
not greedy of filthy lucre $ but patient, not a brawler, 
not covetous ; one that ruleth well his own house, having 
his children in subjection with all gravity j for if a man 
know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take 
care of the church of God ? not a novice, lest being lifted 
up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 
Moreover, he must have a good report of them which 
are without ; lest he fall into reproach, and the snare of 
the devil. 1 Tim. 3. 2 to 7. 

For a bishop must be blameless, as the steward of God: 
not self-willed, not soon angry, not given to wine, no 
striker, not given to filthy lucre ; but a lover of hospitali- 
ty, a lover of good men ; sober, just, holy, temperate ; 



<> 



6 



holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, 
that he may be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and 
to convince the gainsayers. Tit. 1.7, 8, 9. 

Q. What is incumbent upon such to do ? 

A. Take heed therefore to yourselves, and to all the 
flock, over which the Holy Ghost hath made you over- 
seers, to feed the church of God. Acts 20. 28. 

The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also 
an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and 
also a partaker of -the glory that shall be revealed : Feed 
the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight 
thereof, not by constraint, but willingly ; not for filthy 
lucre, but of a ready mind ; neither as being lords over 
God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. 1 Pet. 
5. 1, 2, 3. *" 

Q. Though they be not to lord over the flock, yet is 
there not a respect due to them in their place ? 

A. Let the elders that rule well, be counted worthy 
of double honour^ especially they who labour in the word 
and doctrine. 1 Tim. 5. 17. 

Q. Albeit then, among true Christians, every one that 
believeth, is to have the witness in himself, being per- 
suaded in himself by the Spirit ; yet is there not also a 
real subjection to be to one another in the Lord ? 

A. The spirits of the prophets are subject to the pro- 
phets. 1 Cor. 14. 32. 

Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit 
yourselves ; for they watch for your souls, as they that 
must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not 
with grief; for that is unprofitable for you. Heb. 13. 17. 

And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which la- 
bour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and ad- 
monish you $ and to esteem them very highly in love for 
their works' sake. 1 Thes. 5. 12, 13. 

Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder; 
yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed 
with humility ; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth 
grace unto the humble. 1 Pet. 5. 5. 

Q. How ought true teachers to minister in the church ? 

A. As every man hath received the gift, even so min- 
ister the same one to another, as good stewards of the 



37 

manifold grace of God. If any speak, let him speak as 
the oracles of God : if any man minister, let him do it as 
of the ability which God giveth ; that God in all things 
may be glorified through Jesus Christ. 1 Pet. 4. 10, 11. 

Q. I perceive then, that every true minister of the 
church of Christ, is to minister of the gift and grace of 
God, which he hath received : but some are of the judg- 
ment, that natural wisdom or parts, and human learning, 
are the qualifications which are of absolute necessity for 
a minister \ but grace they judge not to be so absolutely 
necessary, but that one may be a minister without it : 
what saith the scripture in this case ? 

A. A bishop must be blameless, sober, just, holy, tem- 
perate. Tit. 1. 7, 8. 

Q. Methinks it is impossible for a man to be blameless, 
just, holy, sober and temperate, without the grace of God: 
so that if these qualifications be absolutely necessary, 
then surely, that without which a man cannot be so qua- 
lified, must be necessary also : but what saith the scrip- 
ture, as to the necessity of natural wisdom, and human 
learning ? 

A. Where is the wise ? Where is the scribe ? Where 
is the disputer of this world ? Hath not God made fool- 
ish the wisdom of this world ? For after that, in the wis- 
dom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it 
pleased God by the foolishness of preaching, to save them 
that believe. 1 Cor. 1. 20, 21. 

Q. It seems then, the preachings of the true ministers 
are not gathered together by wisdom and learning : it 
hath been supposed that a man must be greatly skilled 
in learning, to make a good sermon ? What is the apos- 
tle's judgment in the case ? 

A. For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the 
gospel ; not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of 
Christ should be made of none effect. 1 Cor. 1. 17. 

And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in 
much trembling : and my speech, and my preaching, 
was not with enticing words of man's wisdom, but in de- 
monstration of the Spirit, and of power 5 that your faith 

E 



38 

should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power 
of God. 1 Cor. 2. 3, 4, 5. 

Q. I perceive the apostle lays far more stress upon the 
demonstration and power of the Spirit in a preacher, than 
upon human literature : ought ministers then to preach as 
the Spirit teach eth them ? 

A. Also we speak, not in the words which man's wis- 
dom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. 1 Cor. 
2. 13. 

And they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and be- 
gan to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance. Acts 2. 4. 

Q. Is it Christ then that speaketh in and through his 
ministers.? 

A. For it is not ye that speak, but the Spirit of your 
Father, which speaketh in you. Mat. 10. 20. 

For it is not ye that speak, but the Holy Ghost. Mark 
13. 11. 

For the Holy Ghost shall teach you in the same hour, 
what you ought to say. Luke 12. 12. 

Since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, which 
to you-ward is not weak, but is mighty in you. 2 Cor. 
13. 3. 

Q. What is the apostle's mind of that human learning, 
which some cry up so much, and think so needful in a 
minister ? 

A. Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy 
and vain deceit ; after the tradition of men, after the 
rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. Col. 2. 8. 

O Timothy ! keep that which is committed to thy trust, 
avoiding profane and vain babblings, and oppositions of 
science falsely so called. 1 Tim. 6. 20. 

Q. Though true ministers speak not by the natural 
wisdom of man ; yet, is their testimony altogether void 
of wisdom ? 

A. Howbeit, we speak wisdom among them that are 
perfect $ yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the 
princes of this world, that come to nought : but we speak 
the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, 
which God ordained before the world to our glory. 1 
Cor. 2. 6, 7. 



39 

Q. What is the reason, that man by his natural wis- 
dom is not capable to minister in the things of God ? 

A. For what man knoweth the things of a man, save 
the spirit of a man, which is in him r even so the things 
of God knoweth no man, but the Spiiit of God. But the 
natural man receiveth not the things of the of God, 

for they are foolishness unto him ; neither can he know 
them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2. 
11. 14. 

Q. These scriptures do sufficiently hold forth, that the 
true call to the ministry is from God ; that which mak- 
eth a true minister, is the gift and grace of God ; that the 
true and effectual preaching of a faithful minister is such, 
as is from the inward teaching and leading of the Spirit 
of God : But what say the scriptures touching the main- 
tenance of ministers ? 

A. Let him that is taught in the word, communicate 
unto him that teacheth in all good things. Gal. 6. 6. 

If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great 
matter if we shall reap your carnal things ? If others De 
partakers of this power over you, are not we rather r 
Nevertheless we have not used this power, but suffer all 
things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. Do 
ye not know, that they which minister about holy things, 
live of the things of the temple ? and they which wait at 
the altar, are partakers with the altar : even so hath the 
Lord ordained, that they which preach the gospel, should 
live of the gospel. 1 Cor. 9. 11 to 14. 

For the scripture saith, thou shalt not muzzle the ax 
that tread eth out the corn ; and, the labourer is worthy 
of his reward. 1 Tim. 5. 18. 

Q. I perceive by these scriptures, that there lieth an 
obligation upon the saints, to help with outward things, 
such as truly minister unto them spiritual ; but this seems 
to be voluntary : Ought not therefore true ministers to 
preach, whether they be sure of this or not ? What saith 
the apostle of himself in this case : and what adviseth he 
others ? 

A. But I have used none of these things, neither have 
I written these things, that it should be so done unto me; 
for it were better for me to die. than that anv man should 



40 

make my glorying void. For though I preach the gospel, 
I have nothing to glory of ,• for necessity is laid upon me; 
yea, woe is unto me if I preach not the gospel, for if I 
do this thing willingly, I have a reward ; but if against 
my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto 
me : what is my reward then ? verily, that when I preach 
the gospel, I make the gospel of Christ without charge, 
that I abuse not my power in the gospel. 1 Cor. 9. 15, 
to 18. 

I have coveted no man's silver or gold, or apparel. 
Yea, you yourselves know* that these hands have minis- 
tered unto my necessities, and to them that were with 
me. I have shewed you all things, how that so labour- 
ing, ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the 
words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed 
to give, than to receive. Acts 20. 33, 34, 35. 

Q. It is observable, that the apostle every where makes 
special mention among the qualifications of teachers, that 
they be not given to filthy lucre : what ought we then to 
think of those teachers, who will not preach without hire? 
yea, that will by violence take from those who receive 
no spirituals from them ? Are they like to be the minis- 
ters of Christ ? or what else saith the scripture of such ? 

A. Yes, they are greedy dogs, which can never have 
enough ; and they are shepherds that cannot understand; 
they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from 
his quarter, Isa. 56. 11. 

Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel, 
prophesy and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord God 
unto the shepherds, woe be to the shepherds of Israel, 
that do feed themselves : Should not the shepherds feed 
the flocks ? ye eat the fat, and ye clothe you with the 
wool, ye kill them that are fed ; but ye feed not the flock. 
As I live, saith the Lord God, surely, because my flock 
became a prey, and my flock became meat to every beast 
of the field, because there was no shepherd, neitner did 
my shepherds search for my flock ; but the shepherds fed 
themselves, and fed not my flock. Ezek. 34. 2, 3. 8. 

Thus saith the Lord, concerning the prophets that 
make my people Erk, that bite with their teeth, and cry 
Pea.ce; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they 



41 

• 

even prepare war against him. The heads thereof judge 
for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the 
prophets thereof divine for money ; yet will they lean 
upon the Lord, and say, is not the Lord amongst us ? 
none evil can come upon us. Micah 3. 5. 11. 

Q. These are plain testimonies from the prophets ; are 
there none such from the apostles ? 

A. Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and 
destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness $ 
from such withdraw thyself. But godliness with con- 
tentment is great gain : for we brought nothing into the 
world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out : and 
having food and raiment, let us therewith be content. 
But they that will be rich, fall into temptation and a 
snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which 
drown men in destruction and perdition. For the love of 
money is the root of all evil ; which, while some coveted 
after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced them- 
selves through with many sorrows. 1 Tim. 6. 5 to 10. 

For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, 
boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, un- 
thankful, unholy. 2 Tim. 3. 2. 

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and de- 
ceivers, especially they of the circumcision, whose mouths 
must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching 
things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. Tit. 
1. 10, 11. 

But there were false prophets also among the people, 
even as there shall be false teachers among you, who priv- 
ily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the 
Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift 
destruction. And many shall follow their pernicious ways, 
by reason of whom, the way of truth shall be evil spoken 
of. And through covetousness shall they with feigned 
words make merchandise of you ; whose judgment now of 
a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth 
not : having eyes full of adultery, and that cannot cease 
from sin ; beguiling unstable souls ; an heart they have 
exercised with covetous practices, cursed children, which 
have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, follow- 

E 2 



42 

ing the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the 
wages of unrighteousness. 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2, 3. 14, 15. 

Woe unto them, for they have gone in the way of Cain, 
and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, 
and perished in the gainsaying of Core. These are mur- 
murers, complainers, walking after their own lusts, and 
their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men's 
persons in admiration, because of advantage. Jude 11. 
16. 

Q. Ought there to be any order in the church of God ? 

A. Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 
Cor. 14. 40. 

Q. What good order is prescribed in the church con- 
cerning preachers ? Is it fit that only one or two speak : 
or may more, if moved thereunto ? 

A. If any thing be revealed to another that sitteth by, 
let the first hold his peace : for ye may all prophesy one 
by one, that all may learn, and all may be comforted. 
And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the pro- 
phets : for God is not the author of confusion, but of 
peace, as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Cor. 14. 
SO to 33. 

Q. Is there any promise, that daughters as well as sons, 
shall prophesy under the gospel ? 

A. And it shall come to pass afterwards, that I will 
pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and 
your daughters shall prophesy ; your old men shall dream 
dreams, your young men shall see visions. Joel 2. 28. 

Q. Is this promise fulfilled, and to be fulfilled ? 

A. But this is that which was spoken by the prophet 
Joel ; And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith 
God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh, and your 
90ns and your daughters shall prophesy $ and your young 
men shall see visions, and your old men shall clream 
dreams. Acts 2. 16, 17. 

Q. Is there any such instance of old in the scriptures ? 

A. And the same man had four daughters, virgins, 
which did prophesy. Acts 21. 9. 

Q. But may all women speak, or are any commanded 
to keep silence in the church ? 

A. Let your women keep silence in the church \ for it 



43 

is not permitted unto them to speak, but they are com- 
manded to be under obedience, as also saith the law, and 
if they will learn any thing, let them ask their husbands 
at home ; for it is a shame for women to speak in the 
church. 1 Cor. 14. 34, 35. 

Let the women learn in silence with all subjection. 
But I suffer not a woman to teach, or usurp authority over 
the man, but to be in silence. 1 Tim. 2. 11, 12. 

Q. The first of these seems only to relate to women 
that have husbands : what comes of them that have none? 
the second speaks nothing of the church, but only that 
she ought not to usurp authority over the man : hath this 
no limitation ? doth not the same apostle give directions, 
how women that speak, should behave themselves in the 
church ? 

A. Every man praying or prophesying, having his 
head covered, dishonoureth his head. But every woman 
that prayeth or prophesieth with her head uncovered, dis- 
honoureth her head $ for that is even all one as if she 
were shaven. 1 Cor. 11. 4, 5. 

CHAP. X. 

Concerning Worship. 

Q. WHAT is the worship that is acceptable to God ? 

A. But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true 
worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in 
truth ; for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God 
is a Spirit, and they that worship him, must worship him 
in spirit and in truth. John 4. 23, 24. 

Q. Seeing prayer is a part of worship, when ought we 
to pray ? 

A. And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that 
men ought always to pray and not to faint. Luke 18. 1. 

Pray without ceasing. 1 Thes. 5. 17. 

Q. Hath God no respect to the manner of calling upon 
him ? 

A. For there is no difference between the Jew and the 
Greek 5 for the same Lord over all, is rich unto all that 
call upon him. Rom* 10. 12. 



44 

Q. Doth God hear the prayers of all that call upon 
him? 

A. The Lord is nigh unto all them that call upon him, 
to all that call upon him in truth. Psalm. 145. 18. 

The Lord is far from the wicked ; but he heareth the 
prayer of the righteous. Prov* 15. 29. 

Now we know that God heareth not sinners ; but if any 
man be a worshipper of God, and doth his will, him lie 
heareth. John 9. SI. 

And this is the confidence that we have in him, that 
if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us. 
1 John 5. 14. 

Q. After what manner doth the apostle declare he will 
pray? 

A. What is it then ; I will pray with the Spirit, and I 
will pray with the understanding also : I will sing with 
the Spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also. 
1 Cor. 14, 15. 

Q. Must we then pray always in the Spirit ? 

A. Praying always, with all prayer, and supplication 
in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all persever- 
ance, and supplication for all saints. Eplu 6. 18. 

Q. Since we are commanded to pray always in it, 
can we do it of our own selves, without the help thereof ? 

A. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities ; 
for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; 
but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with 
groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that search- 
eth the hearts, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, 
because he maketh intercession for the saints according 
to the will of God. Rom. 8. 26, 27. 

Q. I perceive, that without the leadings and help of 
the Spirit, prayers are altogether unprofitable. May not 
a man truly utter those things that are spiritual, without 
the Spirit's assistance ? 

A. Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man 
speaking by the Spirit of God, oaileth Jesus accursed $ 
and that no man can say, that Jesus is the Lord, but by 
the Holy Ghost. 1 Cor. 12. 3. 

Q. This is strange; it seems the Spirit is much more 
necessary than many called Christians suppose it to be ; 



45 

some of which can scarce give a good account, whether 
they have it, or want it : but if a man speak things true 
upon the matter, are they not true as from him, if spoken 
without the Spirit ? 

A. And though they say, the Lord liveth, surely they 
swear falsely. Jer. 5. 2. 

Q. It is apparent from all these scriptures, that the 
true worship of God is in the Spirit ; and as it is not 
limited to a certain place, neither to any certain time, 
what shall we think of them that plead for the observa- 
tion of certain days ? 

A. But now, after that ye have known God, or rather, 
are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and 
beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in 
bondage ? ye observe days, and months, and times and 
years. I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you 
labour in vain. Gal. 4. 9, 10, 11. 

Let no man therefore judge you in meat or drink, or in 
respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the 
Sabbath-day, which are a shadow of things to come ; but 
the body is of Christ. Col. 2. 16, 17. 

Q. Seeing it is so, may not some Christians as lawfully 
esteem all days alike, as others may esteem some days 
above another ; what rule giveth the apostle in this case ? 

A. One man esteemeth one day above another ; ano- 
ther esteemeth every day alike : Let every man be fully 
persuaded in his own mind. He that regardeth the day, 
regard eth it unto the Lord ; and he that regardeth not the 
day, to the Lord he doth not regard it. He that eateth, 
eateth to the Lord ; for he giveth God thanks ; and he 
that eateth not to the Lord, he eateth not, and giveth God 
thanks. Rom. 14. 5, 6. 

Q. But is it not convenient and necessary, that there 
be a day set apart to meet and worship God in ? Did not 
the apostles and primitive Christians use to meet upon 
the first day of the week, to make their collections and to 
worship ? 

A. Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I 
have given order to the churches of Galatia, even so do 
ye. Upon the first day of the week, let every one of 



46 

you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered him, that 
there be no gatherings when I come. I Cor. 16. 1, 2. 

CHAP. XI. 

Concerning baptism, and bread and wine. 

Q. HOW many baptisms are there ? 

A. One Lord, one faith, one baptism. Eph. 4. 5. 

Q. What is the baptism ? 

A. The like figure, whereunto even baptism doth now 
save us (not the putting away the filth ot the flesh, but 
the answer of a good conscience towards God) by the re- 
surrection of Jesus Christ, who is gone into heaven, and 
is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities, and 
powers, being made subject unto him. 1 Pet. 3. 21, 22. 

Q. What saith John the Baptist of Christ's baptism ? 
how distinguisheth he it from his ? 

A. I indeed baptise you with water unto repentance ; 
but he that cometh after me, is mightier than I, whose 
shoes I am not worthy to bear, he shall baptise you with 
the Holy Ghost, and with fire. Mat. 3. 11. 

Q. Doth not Christ so distinguish it also ? 

A. And being assembled together with them, com- 
manded them, that they should not depart from Jerusa- 
lem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which, saith 
he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptised with 
water, but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost, not 
many days hence. Acts 1. 4, 5. 

Q. Doth not the apostle Peter also observe this ? 

A. And as I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on 
them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembered I the 
word of the Lord, how that he said, John indeed baptised 
with water ; but ye shall be baptised with the Holy Ghost. 
Acts 11. 15, 16. 

Q. Then it seems John's baptism must pass away, that 
Christ's may take place ; because John must decrease, 
that Christ may increase. 

A. He must increase, but I must decrease. John 3. 30. 

Q. I perceive then, many may be sprinkled with, and 
dipped and baptised in water, and yet not truly baptised 



47 

with the baptism of Christ : What are the real effects in 
such as are truly baptised with the baptism of Christ ? 

A. Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptised 
into Jesus Christ, were baptised into his death ? There- 
fore we are buried with him by baptism into death, that 
like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of 
the Father, even so we also^should walk in ne.wness of 
life. Rom. 6. 3, 4. 

For as many of you as have been baptised into Christ, 
have put on Christ. Gal. 3. 27. 

Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen 
with him, through the faith of the operation of God, who 
hath raised him from the dead. Col. 2. 12. 

Q. I perceive there was a baptism of water, which was 
John's baptism, and is therefore by John himself contra- 
distinguished from Christ's : was there not likewise some- 
thing of the like nature appointed by Christ to his disci- 
ples, of eating bread, and drinking wine, in remembrance 
of him ? 

A. For I have received of the Lord, that which also I 
delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus, the same night 
in which he was betrayed, took bread ; and when he had 
given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat ; this is my 
body which is broken for you ; this do in remembrance of 
me. After the same manner also he took the cup, when 
he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament 
in my blood ; this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remem- 
brance of me. 1 Cor. 11. 23, 24, 25. 

Q. How long was this to continue ? 

A. For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, 
ye do shew the Lord's death till he come. 1 Cor. 11, 26. 

Q. Did Christ promise to come again to his disciples ? 

A. And I will not leave you comfortless ; I will come 
to you. Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love 
me, he will keep my words, and my Father will love him, 
and we will come unto him, and make our abode with 
him. John 14. 18. 23. 

Q. Was this an inward coming ? 

A. At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father ? 
and you in me, and I in you. John 14. 20. 

Q. But it would seem, this was even practised by the 



48 

church of Corinth, after Christ was come inwardly : was 
it so, that there were certain appointments positively 
commanded, yea, and zealously and conscientiously prac- 
tised by the saints of old, which were not of perpetual 
continuance, nor yet now needful to be practised in the 
church ? 

A. If I then your Lord and Master have washed your 
feet, ye ought also to wash one another's feet. For I 
have given you an example, that you should do as I have 
done to you. John 13. 14, 15. 

For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to 
lay upon you no greater burthen than these necessary 
things ; that ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and 
from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornica- 
tion ; from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well : 
Fare ye well. Acts 15. 28, 29. 

Is any man sick among you ? let him call for the elders 
of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him 
with oil in the name of the Lord. James 5. 14. 

Q. These commands are no less positive than the other ; 
yea, some of them are asserted as the very sense of the 
Holy Ghost, as no less necessary than abstaining from 
fornication, and yet the generality of Protestants have 
laid them aside, as not of perpetual continuance : but 
what other scriptures are there, to shew that it is not ne- 
cessary, that of bread and w r ine to continue ? 

A. For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink ; but 
righteousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 
Rom. 14. 17. 

Let no man therefore judge you in meat or drink, or in 
respect of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sab- 
bath days. Wherefore if ye be dead with Christ from 
the rudiments of the world ; why, as though living in the 
world, are ye subject to ordinances ? (Touch not, taste 
not, handle not : which all are to perish with the using) 
after the commandments and doctrines of men. Col. 2. 
16. 20 to 22. 

Q. These scriptures are very plain, and say as much 
for the abolishing of this, as to any necessity, as ought can 
be alleged for the former : but what is the bread then, 
wherewith the saints are to be nourished ? 



49 

A. Then Jesus said unto them, Verily verily, I say un- 
to you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven, but 
my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. For 
the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, 
and giveth life unto the world. Then said they unto him, 
Lord, evermore give us this bread. And Jesus said unto 
them, I am the bread of life ; he that cometh to me shall 
never hunger ; and he that believeth on me, shall never 
thirst : I am that bread of life. Your fathers did eat 
manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread 
which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat 
thereof and not die. I am the living bread, which came 
down from heaven \ if any man eat of this bread he shall 
live for ever $ and the bread that I will give, is my 
flesh, which I will give for the life of the world. • The 
Jews therefore strove among themselves, saying, How 
can this man give us his flesh to eat ? Then Jesus said 
unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, except ye eat 
the flesh of the Son of Man, and drink his blood, ye have 
no life in you. Whoso eateth my flesh, and drink eth my 
blood, hath eternal life, and I will raise him up at the 
last day. For my flesh is meat indeed, and my blood is 
drink indeed : he that eateth my flesh and drinketh my 
blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him. As the living Fa- 
ther hath sent me, and I live by the Father, so he that 
eateth me, even he shall live by me. This is that bread 
which came down from heaven : not as your Fathers did 
eat manna, and are dead ; he that eateth of this bread, 
shall live forever. John 6. 32 to 35, and 48 to 58. 

CHAP. XII. 

Concerning the life of a Christian, in general, what and 
how it ought to he in this world. 

Q. WHAT is true religion ? 

A. Pure religion and undefiled is this, — To visit the 
fatherless and the widows in their affliction, and to keep 
himself unspotted from the world. James 1. 27. 

Q. What is required of man ? 

F 



50 

A. He hath shewed thee, man, what is good ; and 
what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and 
to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God? Mi- 
cah 6. 8. 

But to this man will I look, even to him that is poor, 
and of a contrite spirit, and trembieth at my word. Iscu 
66. 2. 

Q. Doth God then require people to be Quakers, to 
tremble at his word ? Was there any such among the 
saints of old ? 

A. Then were assembled unto me every one that trem- 
bled at the words of the God of Israel. Ezra 9. 4. 

Now therefore let us make a covenant with our God, 
to put away all the wives, and such as are born of them, 
according to the counsel of my Lord, and of those that 
tremble at the commandment of our God. Ezra 10. 3. 
Q. It seems Ezra loved well, and had a high esteem 
of Quakers, since he would have their counsel followed : 
do any other of the prophets point out Quakers, or Trem- 
blers, as God's people ? 

A. Hear the word of the Lord, ye that tremble at his 
word : your brethren that hated you, that cast you out 
for my name's sake, said, let the Lord be glorified $ but 
he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed. 
Is a. 66. 5. 

And it shall be to me a name of joy, a praise and an 
honour before all the nations of the earth, which shall 
hear all the good that I do unto them ; and they shall fear 
and tremble, for all the goodness, and for all the prosper- 
ity that I procure unto it. Jer. 33. 9. 

Q. The prophets promised good things there to Qua- 
kers : What becometh of those that tremble not, and are 
not such ? 

A. Hear now this, O foolish people ! and without un- 
derstanding, which have eyes, and see not ; which have 
ears, and hear not : Fear ye not me, saith the Lord ; will 
ye not tremble at my presence ? &c. Jer. 5. 21, 22. 

Q. Are then all God's children Quakers ? And are 
w r e commanded to quake or tremble in order to our sal- 
vation, both under the law, and now under the gospel ? 



51 

A. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trem- 
bling. Psalm 2. 11. 

I make a decree, that in every dominion of my king- 
dom, men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel ; 
for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever. Dan. 6. 26. 

Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 
Phil. 2. 12. 

Q. What be the chief commandments ? 

A. Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy 
hearty and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This 
is the first and great commandment, and the second is 
like unto it. Thou slialt love thy neighbour as thyself. 
On these two commandments hang all the law and the 
prophets. Mat. 22. 37 to 40. 

Q. What ought a Christian to seek after in the first 
place ? 

A. Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righte- 
ousness, and all these things shall be added unto you. 
Mat. 6. 33. 

Q. How ought Christians to behave themselves in this 
world ? 

A. But this I say, brethren, the time is short : it re- 
maineth, that both they that have wives, be as though 
they had none ; and they that weep, as though they wept 
not ; and they that rejoice, as though they rejoiced not ; 
and they that buy, as though they possessed not ; and 
they that use this world, as not abusing it ; for the fash- 
ion" of this world passeth away. 1 Cor. 7. 29, 30, 31. 

Q. What saith the apostle Paul further, as that which 
is fit for Christian men and women to be found in ? 

A. I will therefore, that men pray every where lifting 
up holy hands without wrath and doubting. In like 
manner also, that women adorn themselves in modest ap- 
parel, with shame-facedness and sobriety $ not with broi- 
dered hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array ; but (which 
becometh women professing godliness) with good works. 
1 Tim. 2. 8, 9, 10. 

Q. I observe the apostle is much against the vanity 
and superfluity of clothes among Christians 5 what saith 
Peter to this ? 

A. Whose adorning, let it not be that outward adorn- 



52 

ing of plaiting the hair, or wearing of gold, or of putting 
on of apparel : but let it be the hidden man of the heart, 
in that which is not corruptible ; even the ornament of a 
meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of 
great price. 1 Pet. 3. 3, 4. 

Q. The apostle is very plain there : but what saith the 
scripture, as to respect of persons among Christians r 

A. My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For 
if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, 
in goodly apparel ; and there come in also a poor man, in 
vile raiment ; and ye have respect to him that weareth 
the gay clothing, and say unto him, set thou here in a 
good place ; and say to the poor, stand thou there, or sit 
here under my foot-stool : x\re ye not then partial in your- 
selves, and are become judges of evil thoughts ? hearken 
my beloved brethren, hath not God chosen the poor of 
this w r orld, rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom, which 
he hath promised to them that love him ? But ye have 
despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and 
draw you before the judgment-seats ? Do they not blas- 
pheme that worthy name by the which ye are called ? If 
ye fulfil the royal law, according to the scripture, Thou 
shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well : but if ye 
have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinc- 
ed of the law as transgressors. James 2. 1 to 9. 

Q. Though that be indeed sufficient to reprove the dif- 
ferent ranks among Christians, upon the account of riches 
or birth ; jet is there not a relative respect among Christ- 
ians, as betwixt master and servant : What admonition 
gives the apostle in this case ? 

A. Servants, be obedient to them that are your mas- 
ters, according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in 
singleness of your heart, as unto Christ : not with eye- 
service, as men-pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, 
doing the will of God from the heart ; with good will do- 
ing service, as to the Lord, and not to men : knowing 
that whatsoever good thing any man doth, the same shall 
he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free. And 
ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing 
threatening, knowing that your master also is in heaven ; 



53 

neither is there respect of persons with him. JEph. 6. 
5 to 9. 

Servants, obey in all things your masters, according 
to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but in 
singleness of heart, fearing God : And whatsoever ye do, 
do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men ; know- 
ing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the 
inheritance ; for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that 
doeth wrong, shall receive for the wrong which he hath 
done 5 and there is no respect of persons. CoL 3. 22 
to 25. 

Masters, give unto your servants that which is just and 
equal, knowing that ye also have a master in heaven. 
CoL 4. 1. 

Let as many servants as are under the yoke, count 
their own masters worthy of all honour ; that the name 
of God, and his doctrine be not blasphemed. And they 
that have believing masters, let them not despise them, 
because they are brethren $ but rather do them service, 
because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the 
benefit. These things teach and exhort. 1 Tim. 6. 1, 2. 

Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, 
and to please them well in all things ; not answering 
again, not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity ; that 
they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all 
things. Tit. 2. 9, 10. 

Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not 
only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward : for 
this is thank-worthy, if a man for conscience toward God 
endure grief, suffering wrongfully : for what glory is it, 
if when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it pa- 
tiently ? but if when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take 
it patiently; this is acceptable with God. For even here- 
unto were ye called, because Christ also suffered for us, 
leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps. 
1 Pet. 2. 18 to 21. 

Q. What good admonitions gives the scripture, as to 
the relation betwixt parents and children ? 

A. Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is 
right. Honour thy father and thy mother (which is the 

F2 



54 

first commandment with promise) that it may be well 
with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. And 
ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath ; but bring 
them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. Eph. 
6. 1 to 4. 

Children, obey your parents in all things $ for this is 
well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your 
children to anger lest they be discouraged. Col. 3. 20, 
21. 

Q. What between husbands and wives ? 

A. "Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, 
as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the 
wife, even as Christ is the head of the church ; and he is 
the Saviour of the body. Therefore, as the church is 
subject unto Christ, so let the wives be to their own hus- 
bands in every thing. Husbands, love your wives, even 
as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it ; 
so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies ; 
he that loveth his wife, loveth himself. For this cause 
shall a man leave his father and mother, and shall be 
joined unto his wife, and they two shall be one flesh. 
Nevertheless, let every one of you in particular so love 
his wife, even as himself; and the wife see that she rever- 
ence her husband. Eph. 5. 22 to 25, and 28. 31. 33. 

Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against 
them. Col. 3. 19. 

Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection unto your own 
husbands ; that if any obey not the word, they also may 
without the word be won by the conversation of the 
wives, while they behold your chaste conversation coup- 
led with fear. Likewise ye husbands, dwell with them 
according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as 
unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of 
the grace of life, that your prayers be not hindered. 1 
Pet. 3. 1, 2. 7. 

Q. What is the armour of a true Christian, and where- 
witt ought he to wrestle ? 

A- Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be 
able to stand against the wiles of the devil : For we wres- 
tle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, 
against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this 



55 

world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Where- 
fore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may 
be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, 
to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about 
with truth, and having on the breast-plate of righteous- 
ness, and your feet shod with the preparation of the gos- 
pel of peace : Above all, taking the shield of faith, where- 
with ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the 
wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the 
sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Eph. 6, 
11 to 17. 

Q. What are Christians' weapons, and for what end ? 

A. For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war 
after the flesh ; for the weapons of our warfare are not 
carnal, but mighty through God, to the pulling down of 
strong holds, casting down imaginations, and every high 
thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, 
and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedi- 
ence of Christ. 2 Cor. 10. 3, 4, 5. 

Q. Ought strife and envy to be among Christians ? 

A. Wlio is a wise man, and endued with knowledge 
amongst you ? let him shew out of a good conversation 
his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bit- 
ter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie 
not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from 
above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where en- 
vying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil 
work. But the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, 
then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of 
mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without 
hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in 
peace of them that make peace. James 3. 13 to 18. 

Q. Ought wars to be among Christians ? From whence 
proceed they ? 

A. From whence come wars and fightings among you? 
Come they not hence, even of your lusts, that war in your 
members ? Ye lust, and have not ; ye kill and desire to 
have, and cannot obtain ; ye fight and war, yet ye have 
not, because ye ask not. James 4. 1, 2. 

Q. What saith Christ even of defensive war ? 

A. But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil ; but 



56 

whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to 
him the other also. Mat. 5. 39. 

But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies ; 
do good to them which hate you : bless them that curse 
you, and pray for them which despitefully use you. And 
unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek, offer also 
the other ; and him that taketh away thy cloak, forbid 
not to take thy coat also. Luke 6. 27 to 29. 

Q. What saith the apostles ? 

A. Recompence to no man evil for evil. Rom. 12.17. 

Not rendering evil for eVil, or railing for railing ; but 
contrariwise, blessing $ knowing that ye are thereunto 
called, that ye should inherit a blessing. 1 Pet. 3. 9. 

See that none render evil for evil unto any man : but 
ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, 
and to all men. 1 Then. 5. 15. 

Q. It was lawful of old to swear ; and an oath for con- 
firmation was to them an end of all strife : Is it not law- 
ful for Christians also to swear ? 

A. Again, ye have heard that it hath been said of them 
of old time, Thou shalt not forswear thyself, but shalt 
perform unto the Lord thine oaths. But I say unto you, 
Swear not at all ; neither by heaven, for it is God's throne; 
nor by the earth, for it is his footstool ; neither by Jeru- 
salem, for it is the city of the great King : neither shalt 
thou swear by thy head, because thou canst not make one 
hair white or black. But let your communication be yea, 
yea $ nay, nay ; for whatsoever is more than these, com- 
eth of evil. Mat. 5. 33 to 37. 

But above all things, my brethren, swear not ; neither 
by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other 
oath ; but let your yea be yea, and your nay, nay ; lest ye 
fall into condemnation. James 5. 12. 

Q. Is it fit for Christians or believers to receive carnal 
and worldly honour one from another ? 

A. How can ye believe which receive honour one of 
another, and seek not the honour that coineth from God 
only ? John 5. 44. 

Q. Doth God allow us to give flattering titles to men ? 

A. Let me not, I pray you, accept any man's person ; 
neither let me give flattering titles unto man ; for I know 



57 

not to give flattering titles ; in so doing my Maker would 
soon take me away. Job 32, 21, 22. 

Q. What should we say to such as quarrel with us for 
speaking proper sound words, as thou to one, you to ma- 
ny ; which is Christ's and the saints' language in the 
scripture ?, 

A. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to 
wholesome words, even the w r ords of our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godli- 
ness \ he is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about 
questions and strifes of words, whereof conieth envy, 
strife, railings, evil-surmisings. 1 Tim. 6. 3, 4. 

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast 
heard of me, in faith and love, which is in Christ Jesus. 
'2 Tim. 1. 13. 

Q. What is the great commandment given by Christ 
to his disciples, as that which even declareth them to be 
such, and is also pressed by his apostles ? 

A. A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love 
one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one ano- 
ther. By this shall all men know that ye are my disci- 
l pies, if ye have love one to another. John 13. 34, 35. 
This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I 
have loved you. These things I command you, that ye 
love one another. John 15. 12. 17. 

Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children ; 
land w r alk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath 
(given himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God 
1 for a sweet smelling savour. Eph. 5. 1, 2. 

If any man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he 

.is a liar ; for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath 

I seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen ? and 

this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth 

God, love his brother also. 1 John 4. 20, 21. 

Q. Is humility very needful to Christians ? what like 
must we be ere we can enter the kingdom ? 

A. And Jesus, said, Verily, I say unto you, except ye 
3e converted, and become as little children, ye shall not 
mter into the kingdom of heaven. Whosoever therefore 
;hall humble himself as this little child, the same is great 
rst in the kingdom of heaven. Mat. 18. 3, 4. 



58 

Q. Ought Christians to lord over one another ? what 
rule giveth Christ in this case ? 

A. But Jesus called them unto him and said, ye know 
that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over 
them ; and they that are great, exercise authority upon 
them. But it shall not be so among you ; but # whosoever 
will be great among you, let him be your minister. And 
whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your ser- 
vant. Even as the Son of Man came not to be ministred 
unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for 
many. Mat. 20. 25 to 28. 

Q. How then are Christians in this world ? 

A. Behold I send you forth as sheep in the midst of 
wolves $ be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless 
as doves. Mat. .10. 16. 

Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs 
among wolves. Luke 10. 3. 

Q. Are we then to expect affliction and persecution 
here ? 

A. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's 
sake $ but he that endureth to the end shall be saved. 
Mat. 10. 42.— Mark 13. 13. 

And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake. 
Luke 21. 17. 

If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before 
it hated you ; if ye were of the world, the world would 
love his own ; but I have chosen you out of the world, 
therefore the world hateth you. John 15. 18, 19. 

These things have I spoken unto you, that in me ye 
might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribula- 
tion ; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. 
John 16. 33. 

And all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer 
persecution. 2 Tim. 3. 12. 

Q. Ought we then to fear persecution ? 

A. Fear them not which kill the body, but are not able 
to kill the soul ; but rather fear him who is able to de- 
stroy both soul and body in hell. Mat. 10. 28. 

And I say unto you, my friends, be not afraid of them 
that kill the body, and after that, have no more that they 
can do. But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear : 



59 

Fear him which after he hath killed, hath power to cast 
into hell, yea, I say unto you, fear him. Luke 12. 4, 5. 

Q. What advantage is to them that suffer persecution 
cheerfully, and hazard to them that shun it ? 

A. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righte- 
ousnesss sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Mat. 
5. 10. 

But if ye suffer for righteousness sake, happy are ye; 
and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled. 1 
Pet. 3. 14. 

Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him 
will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. 
But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also 
deny before my Father which is in heaven. He that lov- 
eth father or mother more than me, is not worthy of me. 
And he that taketh not his cross , and followeth after me, 
is not worthy of me. He that findeth his life shall lose 
it, and he that loseth his life for my sake, shall find it. 
Mat. 10. 32, 33. 37 to 39. 

Also, I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me be- 
fore men, him shall the Son of Man also confess before 
the angels of God. But he that denies me before men, shall 
be denied before the angels of God. Luke 12. 8. 9. 

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will 
come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his 
cross, and follow me. For whosoever will save his life 
shall lose it m , and whosoever will lose his life for my sake 
shall find it. Mat. 16. 24, 25. 

If we suffer, we shall also reign with him ; if we deny 
him, he also will deny us. 2 Tim. 2. 12. 

If any man come to me, and hate not his father and mo- 
ther, and wife and children, and brethren and sisters, yea, 
and his own life, he cannot be my disciple. Luke 14. 26. 
And he said to them all, if any man will come after me, 
let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily and fol- 
low me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose it ; 
but whosoever will lose his life for my sake, the same 
shall save it. Luke 9. 23 5 24. 

And when he had called the people to him, with his 
disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come 
after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross and 



60 

follow me. For whosoever will save his life, shall lose 
it : but whosoever shall lose his life, for my sake and the 
gospel's, the same shall save it. Mark 8. 34, 35. 

Q. There is nothing more certain, according to these 
scriptures, than that Christians must suffer persecution 
in this world, even in their persons and estates ; but shall 
they not also suffer in their good names, in being account- 
ed blasphemers, hereticks and deceivers ? 

A. The disciple is not above his master, nor the ser- 
vant above his lord. It is enough for the disciple, that 
he be as his master, and the servant, as his lord : If they 
have called the master of the house Beelzebub ; how T much 
more shall they call them of his household? Mat. 10. 
24, 25. 

Blessed are ye when men shall revile you, and perse- 
cute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you 
falsely for my sake. Mat. 5. 11. 

Then they suborned men which said, We have heard 
him speak blasphemous words against Moses, and against 
God. And they stined up the people, and the elders, 
and the scribes, and came upon him, and caught him, and 
brought him to the council. Acts 6. 11, 12. 

And when they found them not, they drew Jason and 
certain brethren, to the rulers of the city, crying, These 
that have turned the world upside down, are come hither 
also. Acts 17. 6. 

But this I confess unto thee, that after the way which 
they call heresy, so worship I die God of my fathers ; be- 
lieving all things which are written in the law and the 
prophets. Acts 24. 14. 

Being defamed, we entreat ; we are made as the filth 
of the world, and are the off-scouring. of all things unto 
this day. 1 Cor. 4. 13. 

By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good re- 
port, as deceivers, and yet true. 2 Cor. 6. 8. 

Q. It is easily apparent from what is mentioned, that 
Christians are to expect persecution and tribulation ; and 
that they are always the sheep, and never the wolves ; the 
persecuted, and never the persecutors ; the afflicted, and 
not the afflicters ; the reproached, and not the reproach - 
ers : Is it not fit then that Christians be so far from per- 



61 

secuting others, that they ought to pray for their persecu- 
tors ? Is this Christ's command ? 

A. But I say unto you, love your enemies ; bless them 
that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray 
for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. 
Mat. 5. 44. 

Q. Was this Christ's own practice ? 
A. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them, for they 
know not what they do, &c. Luke 23. 34. 
Q. Is Christ herein to be our example ? 
Q. For even hereunto were ye called, because Christ 
also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye 
should follow his steps, who did no sin, neither was guile 
found in his mouth : who when he was reviled, reviled 
not again ; when he suffered, he threatened not, but com- 
mitted himself unto him that judge th righteously. 1 Pet. 
2. 21, 22, 2$. 

Q. Is there an instance of any saint in scripture who 
followed his example herein ? 

A. And he kneeled down, and cried, with a loud voice, 

Lord, lay not this sin to their charge, &c. JLcts 7. 60. 

Q. It appears by all these scriptures, that Christianity 

consisteth in the exercise of fear and trembling, humility, 

patience and self-denial : What ought we then to think 

of such who place much of their religion in abstaining 

: from marriage, and certain meats ; worshipping of angels, 

; and other such acts of voluntary humility? 

A. Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the lat- 

i ter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to 

i seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils ; speaking lies in 

j hypocrisy ; having their conscience seared as with a hot 

! iron, forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain 

from meats, which God hath created to be received with 

thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth. 

1 77m. 4. 1, 2, 3. 

Let no man beguile you of your reward, in a voluntary 
! humility, and worshipping of angels, intruding into those 
things which he hath not seen, vainly puffed up by his 
. fleshly mind. Col 2. 18. 
J G 



62 
CHAP. XIII. 

Concerning Magistracy. 

Q. WHAT is the duty of a magistrate ? 
A. The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spake 
to me : He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in 
the fear of God. 2 Sam. 23. 3. 

Q. What do the scriptures speak of the duty of such 
as are under authority ? * 

A. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers ; for 
there is no power but of God : the powers that be, are or- 
dained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, 
resists the ordinance of God ; and they that resist, shall 
receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a 
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not 
be afraid of the power ? do that which is good, and thou 
shalt have praise of the same ; for he is the minister of 
God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, 
be afraid ; for he beareth not the sword in vain : for he is 
the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon 
him that doth evil. Wherefore ye must needs be subject, 
not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake. Horn. 
13. 1 to 5. 

Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the 
Lord's sake ; whether it be to the king, as supreme ; or 
unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him, for 
the punishment of evil doers, and for the praise of them 
that do well. For so is the will of God, that with well 
doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. 
1 Pet. 2. 13 to 15. 

Q. Ought tribute to be paid to them ? 
A. For, for this cause pay ye tribute also, for they are 
God's ministers, attending continually upon this very 
thing. Render therefore to all their dues; tribute to 
whom tribute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to 
whom fear, honour to whom honour. Pom. 13. 6, 7. 

Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Cae- 
sar the things which are Caesar's, and unto God the things 
that are God's. Mat. 22. 21. 



63 

Q. Are we obliged to obey magistrates in such things 
as we are persuaded in our minds are contrary to the com- 
mands of Christ? 

A. And they called them, and commanded them not to 
speak at all, nor teach in the name of Jesus. But Peter 
and John answered and said unto them, Whether it be 
right in the sight of God, to hearken unto you more than 
unto God, judge ye. For we cannot but speak the things 
which we have seen and heard. Acts 4. 18 to 20. 

And when they had brought them, they set them be- 
*fbre the council ; and the high priest asked them, saying* 
J id not we straitly command you, that ye should not 
£ C ach in this name ? and behold, ye have filled Jerusalem 
w J'th your doctrine, and intend to bring this man's blood 
U pOn us. Then Peter and the other apostles answered 
an d said, we ought to obey God rather than men. Acts 
5. 27, 28, 29. 

q : What ought to be magistrates' behaviour in such 
cases- according to the counsel of wise Gamaliel ? 

A. Then stood there up one in the council, a Pharisee, 
named Gamaliel, a doctor of the lav/, had in reputation 
among a 1 ^ the people, and commanded to put the apos- 
tles forth a little space, and said unto them, Ye men of 
Israel, takt* heed to yourselves, what ye intend to do, as 
touching these men. And now I say unto you, refrain 
from these mcu, and let them alone ; for if this counsel, 
or this work, be of men, it will come to nought : but if it 
be of God, ve cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found 
even to fight against God. Acts 5. 34, 35. 38, 39. 

Q. What command givpth Christ to his people under 
the gospel, in relatioiTto this matter? how doth he hold 
forth their duty lender the parable of the tares ? 

A. So the servants of the householder came and said 
unto him, Sir, didst thou not sow good seed in thy field? 
From whence then hath it tares ? He said unto them, an 
enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, wilt 
thou then that we go and gather them up ? but he said, 
nay ; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also 
the wheat with them. Mat. 13. 27, 28, 29. 

Q. Doth he explain these tares of the wicked, whom 
the godly must not take upon them to cut off, lest through 



64 . 

mistake they hurt the good ; but leave it to God, tc 
by his angels* ? 

A. The field is the world ; the good seed are tl 
dren of the kingdom ; but the tares are the chil 
the wicked one : the enemy that sowed them is th 
the harvest is the end of the world, and the reap 
the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered ai; 
in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this worl 
Son of Man shall send forth his angels, and the] shall 
gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, 
which do iniquity. Mat. 1£. 38 to 41. 

CHAP. XIV. 

Concerning the Resurrection. 

Q. WHAT saith the scripture of the r< 
the dead ? 

A. And have hope towards God, w 1 
selves also allow, that there shall be a r 
dead, both of the just and unjust. A r 

Q. To what different end shall the 
the bad, and how are they thereunt res 

A. Marvel not at this, for the 
which all that are in the grav^ 1( [ 

shall come forth ; they that I re- 

surrection of life ; and tl ^] ie 

resurrection of damn** 

But the heaver r v , by the 

same word ar- j e , against 

the day of odly men. 2 

Pet. 3 J 

ich as ask, how the 

,y? 

m sowest is not quickened 

viiich thou sowest, thou sowest 

n dl be, but bare grain, it may chance 

°* *>me ther grain. But God giveth it a 

boa tth pleased him, and to every seed his own 

body All flesh is not the same flesh ; but there is one 

kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of 



65 

fishe9, and another of birds. There are also celestial bo- 
dies, and bodies terrestrial ; but the glory of the celes- 
tial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 
There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the 
moon, and another glory of the stars ; for one star dif- 
fereth from another star in glory. So also is the resur- 
rection of the dead. It is sown in corruption, it is raised 
in incorruption : it is sown in dishonour, it is raised in 
glory : it is sown in weakness, it is raised in power : it 
is sown a natural body, it is raised a spiritual body. 
There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body, 
1 Cor. 15. 36 to 44. 

Q. The apostle seems to be very positive, that it is not 
that natural body, which we now have, that shall rise $ 
but a spiritual body. 

A. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood can- 
not inherit the kingdom of God ; neither doth corruption 
inherit incorruption. Behold I shew you a mystery ; we 
shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a mo- 
ment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump ; for 
the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised in- 
corruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible 
must put on incorruption ; and this mortal must put on 
immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on 
incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immor- 
tality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is 
written, Death is swallowed up in victory ; O Death, 
where is thy sting ? O Grave, where is thy victory ? 1 
Cor. 15. 50 to 55, 



G a 



66 

CHAP. XV. 

Jl short Introduction to the Confession of Fail lu 

HAVING thus largely and evidently performed the 
chief part of that which I promised in this treatise, in 
giving a full account of our principles in plain scripture 
words, and also answering by the scriptures the chief and 
main objections made against us, I come to a confession 
of faith, in which I shall not be so large ; for that I judge 
it not convenient to make an inter-repetition of all the 
scriptures before mentioned, which if needful, the reader 
may easily observe, were not very difficult to do. But 
whereas a confession of faith calleth rather for an affirma- 
tive account of one's own faith, than for the solution of 
objections, or any thing of debate in a discursive way, 
which is both more properly and pertinently performed 
in a catechism ; therefore I have here only done so. I 
am necessitated sometimes to intermix some words for 
coherence of the matter, as sometimes (and,) and some- 
times (therefore,) and the like ; but not such as any in- 
genuous person can affirm, do add to the matter \ or that 
may anywise justly be reckoned a comment or meaning : 
and therefore to avoid the censure of the most curious 
carping critick, these are marked with a different charac- 
ter. Likewise, unless I should have ridiculously offered 
to publish incongruous grammar, there was a true need 
sometimes to change the mood and person of a verb : in 
all which places, whosoever will look to the words, shall 
find it is done upon no design to alter any whit the naked 
import of them : as for instance, where Christ says, I am 
the light of the world : were it proper for me to write 
thus, I am the light, &c. ? or can it be reckoned any whit 
contradicting to my purpose or promise to write, Christ is 
the light, where the first person is changed to the third r 
also, sometimes I express things which are necessarily 
understood, as when any of the apostles say, we ; there, 
instead of we I write apostles ; and where they say you, 
speaking to the saints ; there I mention saints instead of 
it, for the connexion of the sentence sometimes requires 



67 

it; as in the first article, in mentioning that of 1 John 1. 5. 
concerning God's being light, and in such like cases, which 
I know no impartial reader would have quarrelled with, 
though wanting this apology, which I judged meet to pre- 
mise, knowing there is a generation, who when they can- 
not find any real or substantial ground against truth and 
its followers, will be cavilling at such little niceties ; 
therefore such may see this objection is obviated. 



68 

CHAP. XVI. 

A CONFESSION OF FAITH, 

CONTAINING XXIII ARTICLES. 



ARTICLE I. 

Concerning GOD, and the' true and saving Knowledge 

of Him. 

THERE is one God. 1 Who is a spirit 3 rfndthis is 
the message which the apostles heard of him, and declared 
unto the saints, that he is light, and in him is no dark- 
ness at all. 3 There are three that bear record in heaven, 
the Father, the Word, and the Holy Ghost, and these 
three are one. 4 The Father is in the Son, and the Son is 
in the Father. 5 No man knoweth the Son, but the Fa- 
ther ; neither knoweth any man the Father, but the Son, 
and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him. 6 The 
Spirit searcheth all things, yea the deep things of God. 7 
For the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of 
God : now the saints have received not the spirit of the 
world, but the Spirit which is of God, that they might 
know the things which are freely given them of God. 8 For 
the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Fa- 
ther sends in Christ's name, he teacheth them all things, 
and bringeth all things to their remembrance. 9 



ARTICLE II. 

Concerning the Guide and Rule of Christians* 

Christ prayed to the Father, and he gave the saints 
another Comforter, that was to abide with them for ever, 

'Eph. 4 6 , 1 Cor. 8. 4. 6. >John 4 24. 31 John 1 5. *Ch. 5. 
7. sJohn 10. 38. and 14. 10. 11. and 5. 26. «Mat. 11. 27. Luke 
10. 22. U Cor. 2. 10. *l Cor. 2. 11, 12. *John 14. 26. 



69 

even the Spirit of Truth, whom the world cannot receive, 
because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him ; but the saints 
know him ; for he dwelleth with them, and is to be in 
them. 1 Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he 
is none of his : For as many as are led by the Spirit of 
God, they are the sons of God. 2 For this is the cove- 
nant that God hath made with the house of Israel, he hath 
put his laws in their mind, and writ them in their hearts; 
and they are all taught of God. 3 And the anointing, 
which they have received of him, abideth in them; and 
they need not that any man teach them, but as the same 
anointing teacheth them of all things, and is truth, and is 
no lie. 4 



ARTICLE III. 

Concerning the Scriptures. 
Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were writ- 
ten for our learning, that we through patience and com- 
fort of the scriptures might have hope. 5 Which are able 
to make wise unto salvation, through faith which is in 
Christ Jesus : All scripture being given by inspiration of 
God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for in- 
struction in righteousness, that the man of God may be 
perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 6 No 
prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation; 
for the prophecy came not in- old time by the will of man, 
but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the 
Holy Ghost. 7 



ARTICLE IV. 

Concerning the Divinity of Christ, and his being from 
the Beginning. 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was 
with God, and the Word was God ; the same was in the 

Mohn 14. 16, 17. J Rom. 8 9. 14. 3Heb. 8 10, 11. 41 John 
2. 27. 5Rom. 15. 4. *2 Mm. 3. 15, IS, 17. ^2 Pet. 1. 20, 21. 



70 

beginning with God ; all things were made by him, and 
without him was not any thing made that was made. 1 
Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlast- 
ing. 3 For God created all things by Jesus Christ. 3 Who 
being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be 
equal with God. 4 And his name is called Wonderful, 
Counsellor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the 
Prince of Peace. 5 Who is the image of the invisible God, 
the firstborn of every creature. 6 The brightness of the 
Father's glory, and the express image of his substance. 7 
Who was clothed with a vesture dipt in blood ; and his 
name is called the Word of God. 8 In him dwells all the 
fulness of the Godhead bodily. 9 And in him are hid all 
the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 10 



ARTICLE V. 

Concerning his Appearance in the Flesh. 

The Word was made flesh. 11 For he took not on him 
the nature of angels; but he took on him the seed of 
Abraham, being m all things made like unto his breth- 
ren. 13 Touched with a feeling of our infirmities ; and in 
all things tempted, like as we are, yet without sin. 13 He 
tlied for our sins, according to the scriptures ; and he was 
buried, and he rose again the third day, according to the 
scriptures. 14 



ARTICLE VI. 

Concerning the End and Use of that Appearance. 

God sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, 
and for sin condemned sin in the flesh. 15 For this pur- 
pose the Son of God was manifested, that he might de- 

'John 1. 1, 2; 3. a Micah 5. 2. 3Eph. 3. 9. 4PhU. 2. 6. 5lsa. 
9. 6. 6 Col. 1. 15. 7Heb 1. 3. 8Rev. 19. 13 9Col. 2. *9. ,0 Ver. 
3. ''John 1. 14. ll Heb. 2. 16, 17. '3Ch. 4. 15. »4l Cor. 15. 3, 4. 
'5Rom. 8.3. 



71 

stroy the works of the devil. 1 Being manifested to take 
away our sins. 3 For he gave himself for us, an offering 
and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour. 3 Hav- 
ing obtained eternal redemption for us. 4 And through 
the eternal Spirit offered up himself without spot unto 
God to purge our consciences from dead works, to serve 
the living God. 5 He was the Lamb that was slain from 
the foundation of the world. 6 Of whom the fathers did 
all drink ; for they drank of that spiritual Rock that fol- 
lowed them, and that Rock was Christ. 7 Christ also suf- 
fered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow 
his steps. 8 For we are to bear about: in the body, the dy- 
ing of the Lord Jesus, that the life also of Jesus might be 
made manifest in our body, being alway delivered unto 
death for Jesus's sake, that the life also of Jesus may be 
made manifest in our flesh. 9 That we may know him, 
and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of 
his sufferings, being made conformable to his death. 



10 



ARTICLE VII. 

Concerning the inward manifestation of Christ. 

God dwelleth with the contrite and humble in spirit. H 
For he hath said, He will dwell in them and walk in 
them. 13 And Christ standeth at the door, and knocketh; 
if any man hear his voice, and open the door, he will 
come in to him, and sup with him, and he with him. 13 
And therefore ought we to examine our selves, and prove 
our own selves, knowing how that Christ is in us except 
ice be reprobates. 14 For this is the riches of the glory of 
the mystery, which God would make known among for 
rather IN) the Gentiles, Christ within, the hope of glo- 
ry. 15 

U John 3. 8. a Ver. 5. 3Eph. 5. 2. *Heb. 9. 12. 5Ver. 14, 
*Rev. 5. 8. & 12, 13. 8. U Cor 10. 1 to 4. 8 1. Pet. 2. 21. 92 Cor, 
4. 10, 11. "Phil. 3. 10. 'Msa. 57. 15. « l 2 Cor. 6. 16, «3Rev. -3, 
20. h2 Cor. 13. 5. >5Col 1. 27, 



72 

ARTICLE VIII. 

Concerning the New-Birth. 

Except a man be born again, he cannot see the king- 
dom of God. 1 Therefore ought we to put off the old man 
with his deeds, and put on the new man, which is renew- 
ed in knowledge after the image of him that created him, 
and which after God is created in righteousness and true 
holiness. 2 For henceforth know we no man after the flesh ; 
yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet 
now henceforth know we him no more. 3 For if any man 
be in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed 
away ; behold, ail things are become new. 4 For such 
have put on the Lord Jesus Christ. 5 And are renewed 
in the spirit of their minds. For as many as have been 
baptised into Christ, have put on Christ. 7 Being born 
again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the 
word of God, which liveth and abide th for ever. 8 And 
glory in nothing, save in tl^ cross of the Lord Jesus 
Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto them, and 
they unto the world. 9 For in Christ Jesus, neither cir- 
cumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a 
new creature. 10 



ARTICLE IX. 

Concerning the unity of the saints with Christ. 

He that sanctifieth, and they who are sanctified, are all 
of one. 11 For by the exceeding great and precious pro- 
mises that are given them, they are made partakers of the 
divine nature. 12 Because for this end prayed Christ, they 
all might be one, as the Father is in him, and he in the 
Father, that they also might be one in them; and the 
glory which he had gotten from the Father, he gave them, 
that they might be one, even as the Father and he is one; 

'John 3. 3. »Eph. 4 23, 24. Col. 3. 10. 32. Cor. 5. 16. 4V e r. 
17. 5ttom. 13. 14. «Eph. 4. 23. 7Gal. 3. 27. 8 1 Pet. 1. 23. 
*GaI. 6. 14. '°Ver. 15. "Heb. 2. 11. ,a 2 Pet. 1. 4. 



73 

Christ in the saints, and the Father in Christ, that they 
might be made perfect in one. 1 



ARTICLE X. 

Concerning the universal love and grace of God to all. 

God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten 
Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, 
but have everlasting life. 3 And in this was manifested 
the love of God towards us, because that God sent his 
only begotten Son, that we might live through him. 3 So 
that if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Fa- 
ther, Jesus Christ the righteous ; and he is the propitia- 
tion for our sins $ and not for ours only, but also for the 
sins of the whole world. 4 For by the grace of God he 
hath tasted death for every man. 5 And gave himself a 
ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 6 Willing all 
men to be saved, and to come to the knowledge of the 
truth. 7 Not willing that any should perish, but that all 
should come to repentance. 8 For God sent not his Son 
into the world to condemn the world, but that the world 
through him might be saved. 9 And Christ came a light 
into the world, that whosoever believeth in him, should 
not abide in darkness. 10 Therefore, as by the offence of 
one, judgment came upon all men to condemnation ; even 
so by the righteousness of one, the free gift came upon 
all men to justification of life. 11 



ARTICLE XL 

Concerning the light that enlighteneth every man. 

The gosnel was preached to every creature under hea- 
ven. 12 Trliich gospel is the power of God unto salvation, 

'John 17. 21, 22, 23. 'John 3. 16. 31 John 4, 9. 4l John 2 1, 
2. $Heb. 2. 9, «1 Tim. 2. 6. 7l Tim. 2. 4. 8 2 Pet. 3.9. 9John 
3.17. *°Ch. 12. 46. "Rom. 5. 18. "Col. 1. 23. 

H 



74 

to them that believe. * And if it be hid, it is bid to them 
which are lost, in whom the God of this world hath blind- 
ed the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of 
the glorious gospel of Christ should shine into them. 2 And 
this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, 
and men love darkness rather than light, because their 
deeds are evil. 3 And this was the true light, which light- 
eth every man that cometh into the world. 4 By which 
all things that are reprovable, are made manifest ; for 
whatsoever maketh manifest is light. 5 Every one that 
doth evil, hateth the lights, neither cometh to the light, 
lest his deeds should be reproved : but he that doeth truth, 
cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, 
that they are wrought in God. 6 And they that walk in 
the light, as Christ is in the light, have fellowship one 
with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son, 
clean seth them from all sin. 7 Therefore ought we to be- 
lieve in the light, while we have the light, that we may 
be the children of the light. 8 Therefore to-day, if we will 
hear his voice, let as not harden our hearts. 9 For Christ 
wept over Jerusalem, saying, If thou hadst known, even 
thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong un- 
to thy peace, but now they are hid from thine eyes. 10 
And he would often have gathered her children, as a hen 
gathereth her chickens; but they would not. 11 For the 
stiff-necked and uncircumcised in heart and ears, do al- 
ways resist the Holy Ghost. 13 And are of those that re- 
bel against the light. 13 Therefore God's Spirit will not 
always strive with man. 14 For the wrath of God is reveal- 
ed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteous- 
ness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness. 15 
Because what is to be known of God is manifest in them; 
for God hath shewed it unto them. 16 And a manifesta- 
tion of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. l7 
For the grace of God that brings salvation, hath appeared 
to all men, teaching us, that denying ungodliness and 

'Rom. 1. 16. 2 2 Cor. 4 3, 4. 3.Tohn 3. 19. 4Ch. 1. 9. SEph. 
5. 11. <Uohn 3. 20. U John 1. 7. 8 John 12. 30. 9Heb. 4. 7. 
*°Luke 19 42. VMat. 23. 37. ^Acts 7. 5. njob 24. 13. '4Gen„ 
6. 3. '5Uom. 1. 18. ^ver. 19. 



75 

worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and 
godly in this present world. 1 And this word of his grace, 
is able to build up, and give an inheritance among all 
those that are sanctified. 2 For the word of God is quick 
and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, 
piercing even to the dividing asunder of the soul and spi- 
rit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of 
the thoughts and intents of the heart. 3 This is that more 
sure word of prophecy, whereunto we do well that we 
take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, un- 
til the day dawn, and the day-star arise in the heart. 4 
And this is the word of faith which the apostles preached, 
which is nigh in the mouth, and in the heart. 3 For God, 
who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath 
shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge 
of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 6 But we 
have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency 
of the power may be of God and not of us f for the king- 
dom of God cometh not by observation, but is within us. 



ARTICLE XII. 

Concerning Faith and Justification. 

Faith is the substance of things hoped for, and the evi- 
dence of things not seen. 8 Without which it is impossi- 
ble to please God. 9 Therefore vje are justified by faith, 
which worketh by love. 10 For faith without works being 
dead, is by works made perfect. 11 By the deeds of the 
law there shall n<5 flesh be justified. 12 Not yet by the 
works of righteousness which we have done ; but accord- 
ing to his mercy we are saved, by the washing of regen- 
eration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost. 18 For we are 
both washed, sanctified and justified in the name of the 
Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. i4 . 

'Tit. 2. 11, 12. * Acts 20.32. 3Heb.4. 12. 42 Pet 1.19. 5Rom. 
10. 8- «2 Cor. 4. 6. 7 Ver. 7. s Heb. 11. 1. 9V*r. 6. »°Gal. 5. 6 
"James 2. 22. 26. !>liom. 3. 20. Wit. 3. 5. '41 Cor. 6. 21, 



76 

ARTICLE XIII. 

Concerning Good Works. 

If ive live after the flesh, we shall die ; but if tpe, 
through the Spirit, do mortify the deeds of the body, we 
shall live. 1 For they which believe in God must be care- 
ful to maintain good works. 2 For God will render to eve- 
ry man according to his deeds. 3 According to his righ- 
teous judgment to them, who by patient continuance in 
well-doing, seek for glory, honour and immortality, eter- 
nal life : For such are counted worthy of the kingdom of 
God. 4 And cast not away their confidence, which hath 
great recompence of reward. 5 Blessed then are they that 
do his commandments, that they may have right to the 
tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the 
city. 8 



ARTICLE XIV. 

Concerning Perfection. 

Sin shall not have dominion over such as are not under 
the law, but under grace. 7 For there is no condemnation 
to those that are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the 
flesh, but after the Spirit ; for the law of the Spirit of life 
maketh free from the law of sin and death. s For such 
are become dead unto sin, and alive unto righteousness ; 
and being made free from sin, are become servants of 
righteousness. 9 Therefore ought we ,to be perfect, as 
our heavenly Father is perfect. 10 For the yoke of Christ 
is easy, and his burthen is light. 11 And his command- 
ments are not grievous. 13 And whosoever will enter into 
life must keep the commandments. 13 Hereby do we know 
that we know God, if we keep his commandments. 14 He 
that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his command- 
ments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 15 Whoso- 

•Rom. 8. 13 J Tit. 3. 8. *Bom. 2. 6. 42 Thes, 1. 5. $Heb. 10. 
35. «Rev.22. 14. niom. 6. 14. *Ch. 8. 1, 2. 5>Oh.2.18. '°Mat. 
5. 48. "Ch. 11. 30. «»1 John 5. 3. '3Mat. 19. 17. '4l John 2. 3. 
«5Vtr. 4. 



77 

ever abideth in him, sinneth not; whosoever sinneth, hath 
not seen him, neither known him. 1 Let no man deceive 
us; he that doth righteousness is righteous, even as he is 
righteous ; he that committeth sin is of the devil ; whoso- 
ever is born of God doth not commit sin ; for his seed re- 
maineth in him and he cannot sin, because he is born of 
God. 2 For not every one that saith Lord, Lord, shall 
enter into the kingdom of heaven ; but he that doth the 
will of the Father, which is in heaven. 3 Circumcision is 
nothing, and uncircu incision is nothing, but the keeping 
the commandments of God. 4 



ARTICLE XV. 

Concerning Perseverance and falling from Grace. 

We ought to give diligence to make our calling and 
election sure, which things if we do, we shall never fall. 5 
For even Paul kept under his body, and brought it into 
subjection, lest by any means, when he preached to others, 
he himself became a cast-away. 6 Let us therefore take 
heed, lest there be in any of us an evil heart of unbelief, 
in departing from the living God. 7 Likewise let us la- 
bour to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the 
same example of unbelief. 8 For it is impossible for those 
who are once enlightened, and have tasted of the heaven- 
ly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Ghost, 
and have tasted of the good word of God, and the powers 
of the world to come, if they shall fall away, to renew 
them again unto repentance. 9 For he that abideth not in 
Christ is cast forth, and is withered. 10 Yet such as over- 
cometh, he will make as pillars in the temple of his God, 
and they shall go no more out. lx And these are persuad- 
ed, that nothing shall be able to separate them from the 
love of God, which is in Christ Jesus. 13 

n John 3. 6. >Ver. 7, 8, 9. 3Mat. 7. 21. U Cor. 7. 19. 52 
Pet. 1. 10. «1 Cor. 9. 27. ^Heb. 3. 12. 8Ch. 4. 11. 9Ch. 6. 4, 
5, 6. *ojohn 15. 16. "Rev. 3. 12. '*Rom. 8. 38. 

H 2 



78 

ARTICLE XVI. 

Concerning the Church and Ministry. 
The Church of God is the pillar and ground of truth. 1 
IVhereof the dear Son of God is the head. 3 From which 
all the body by joints and bands, having nourishment 
ministered and knit together, increaseth with the increase 
of God. 3 Which church of God is them that are sancti- 
fied in Christ Jesus. 4 Who when he ascended up on high, 
gave gifts unto men : And he gave some apostles, some 
prophets, some evangelists/ some pastors and teachers, 
for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the min- 
istry. 3 Who ought to be blameless, vigilant, sober, of 
good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach ; not 
given to wine, no strikers, nor greedy of filthy lucre, 
but patient ; not brawlers, nor covetous. 8 Lovers of good 
men, sober, just, holy, temperate, holding fast the faith- 
ful word, as they have been taught, that they may be able 
by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince gain- 
sayers. 7 Taking heed to themselves and to the flock, 
over which the Holy Ghost hath made them overseers, to 
feed the church of God. 8 Taking the oversight thereof, 
not by constraint, but willingly ; not for filthy lucre, but 
of a ready mind ; neither as being lords over God's heri- 
tage, but as being ensamples to the flock. 9 And such el- 
ders as rule well, are to be counted worthv of double 
honour, especially they who labour in the word and doc- 
trine. 10 And to be esteemed very highly in love for their 
works' sake. 11 As every man hath received the gift, so 
ought the same to be ministered : If any man speak, let 
him speak as the oracles of God ; if any man minister, 
let him do it as of the ability which God giveth. 12 Preach- 
ing the gospel, not with the wisdom of words, lest the 
cross of Christ be made of none effect. 13 Nor yet with 
enticing words of man's wisdom, but in demonstration of 
the Spirit and of power ; that the faith may not stand in 
the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. 14 Howbeit 

•1 Tim. 3. 15. >Col. 1. 18. 3Ch. 2. 19. 4l Cor. 1. 2. 5Eph. 4. 
11, 12. <-l Tim. 3. 2, 3. rrit. 1. 8, 9. »Acts 20. 28. <?1 Pet. 5. 
2, 3. '°1 Tim 5. 17. "1 Thes. 5. 12. "1 Pet. 4. 10, 11. '3l 

Cor. 1. 17. «4Ch. 2. 4, 5. 



79 

such speak wisdom among them that are perfect ; yet not 
the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, 
which cometh to nought ; but they speak the wisdom of 
God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God 
ordained before the world to their glory. 1 Which things 
they also speak not in the words which man's wisdom 
teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth. 3 For it is 
not they that speak, but the Holy Ghost, or Spirit of the 
Father, that speaketh in them. 3 Who if they sow spirit- 
ual things, ought to reap carnal things, for so the Lord 
hath ordained, that they which preach the gospel, should 
live of the gospel ; for the scripture saith, Thou shalt not 
muzzle the mouth of the ox that treadeth out the corn ; 
and the labourer is worthy of his reward. 4 Yet a neces- 
sity is laid upon them; yea, woe is unto them if they 
preach not the gospel ; and their reward is, that when 
they preach the gospel, they make the gospel of Christ 
without charge. 5 Not coveting any man's silver or gold, 
or apparel ; but their hands minister to their necessities, 
that so labouring, they may support the weak 5 remember- 
ing the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more 
blessed to give, than to receive. 8 For they are not of the 
greedy dogs that can never have enough. 7 Nor of the 
shepherds that look to their own way, every one for his 
gain from his quarter. 8 That feed themselves, and not 
the flock. 9 That make the people err, biting with their 
teeth, and crying peace, and preparing war against all 
such as put not into their mouths, teaching for hire, and 
divining for money. 10 Nor yet of these which teach things 
which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake. 11 That run 
greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, loving the 
wages of unrighteousness. 12 And through cove tousness, 
with feigned words, making merchandise of souls. 13 Men 
of corrupt minds, destitute of the truth, supposing that 
gain is godliness. 14 But they know that godliness with 
contentment is great gain. 15 That having food and rai- 
ment, they are therewith content. 16 

'1 Cor. 2. 6. 7. >Ver. 13. 3 Mat. 10. 20. *1 Cor. 9. 11. 14. 9. 
SVer. 16, 17, 18. *Acts20. 33, 34. 7lsa. 56. 11. «lbid. *Ezek. 
34. 8. '°Micah 3. 5. 11. "Tit, 1. 11. '*2Pet. 2. 15, '3Ver. 3. 
'41 Tim. 6. 5. '5 Ver. 6. '*Ver. 8. 



80 



ARTICLE XVII. 

Concerning Worship. 

The hour cometh, and now is, when the true worship- 
pers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in truth 5 for 
the Father seeketh such to worship him. 1 God is a Spi- 
rit, and they which worship him, must worship him in 
the Spirit and in the truth. 3 For the Lord is nigh to all 
them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in 
truth. 3 He is far from the. wicked ; but he heareth the 
prayers of the righteous. 4 And this is the confidence 
that we have in him, That if we ask any thing according 
to his will, he heareth us. 5 What is it then ? We must 
pray with the Spirit, and with the understanding also. 6 
Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities ; for we 
know not what we should pray for as we ought ; but the 
Spirit itself maketh intercession for us, with groanings 
which cannot be uttered : And he that searcheth the 
heart, knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he 
maketh intercession for the saints, according to the will 
of God.' 



ARTICLE XVIIL 

Concerning Baptism. 

As there is one Lord, one faith, so there is one bap- 
tism. 8 Which doth also now save us, not the putting 
away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good 
conscience towards God, by the resurrection of Jesus 
Christ. 9 For John indeed baptised with water, but 
Christ with the Holy Ghost and with fire. 10 Therefore 
as many as are baptised into Jesus Christ, are baptised 
into his death, and are buried with him by baptism into 
death, that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by 
the glory of the Father, even so they also should walk in 
newness of life. 11 Having put on Christ. 13 

'John 4. 23. >Ver. 24. 3Psalm 145. 18. 4p r ov. 15. 29. $1 
John 5. 14. n Cor. 14. 15. niom. 8. 26, 27. *Eph. 4. 5. ?1 
Pet, 3. 21, 22. '°Mat. 3, 11. "Rom. 6. 3, 4. ''Gal. 3. 27 



81 



ARTICLE XIX. 

Concerning eating of bread and wine, washing of one 
another's feet) abstaining from things strangled, and 
from blood, and anointing of the sick with oil. 

The Lord Jesus the same night in which he was be- 
trayed, took bread ; and when he had given thanks, he 
brake it, and said, Take, eat, this is my body which is 
broken for you ; this do in remembrance of me : After 
the same manner also he took the cup, when he had sup- 
ped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood; 
this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me ; 
for as oft as ye do eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye 
do shew forth the Lord's death till he come. 1 Jesus 
knowing that the Father had given all things into his 
hands, and that he was come from God, and went to 
God, he ariseth from supper, and laid aside his garments, 
and took a towel, and girded himself; after that he pour- 
eth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples 
feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was 
girded : So after he had washed their feet, and had taken 
his garments, and was sat down again, he said unto them, 
Know ye what I have done unto you ? Ye call me Mas- 
ter and Lord, and ye say well ; for so I am ; if then I, 
your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also 
ought to wash one another's feet ; for I have given you 
an example, that ye shall do as I have done unto you. a 
For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay 
upon you no greater burthen than these necessary things, 
That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, from blood, 
and from things strangled, and from fornication ; from 
which if ye keep yourselves ye do well. 3 Is any man 
sick among you, let him call for the elders of the church, 
and let them pray over him anointing him with oil. 4 

•1 Cor. 11. 23, 24, 25, 26. 'John 13. ?, 3, 4, 5. 12 to 15. 3Acts 
15. 28, 29. 4james 5. 14. 



82 

ARTICLE XX. 

Concerning the liberty of such Christians as are come to 
know the substance, as to the using or not using of these 
rites and of the observation of days. 

The kingdom of God is not meat and drink, but righ- 
teousness and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. 1 Let 
no man therefore judge us in meat or drink, or in respect 
of an holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath 
days. 2 For if we be dead with Christ from the rudiments 
of the world, why, as though living in the world, are we 
subject to ordinances ? Let us not touch, or taste, or 
handle, which all are to perish with the using, after the 
commandments and doctrines of men. 3 For now, after 
we have known God, or rather are known of him, why 
should we turn again unto the weak and beggarly ele- 
ments, or desire again to be in bondage to observe days 
and months, and times and years, lest labour have been 
bestowed on us in vain. 4 If one man esteem a day above 
another, another esteems every day alike ; let every man 
be fully persuaded in his own mind : He that regard eth 
a day, regardeth it unto the Lord : and he that regardeth 
not the day, to the Lord he doth not regard it, 5 



ARTICLE XXL 

Concerning Swearing, Fighting, and Persecution. 

It hath been said by them of old, Thou shalt not for- 
swear thyself, but shalt perform unto the Lord thine 
oaths : but Christ says unto us, Swear not at all, neither 
by heaven, for it is God's throne ; nor by the earth, for 
it is his footstool 5 neither by Jerusalem, for it is the city 
of the great King ; neither shalt thou swear by thy head, 
because thou canst not make one hair white or black ; but 
let your communication be yea, yea 5 nay, nay ; for what- 
soever is more than these, cometh of evil. 6 And James 
charged us. Above all things not to swear ; neither by 

'Rom. 14. 17. *Col. 2. 16. 3Ver. 20 lo 22. 4Gal.4. 9 to 11. 
*Rom, 14. 5, 6. «Mat. 5. 33 to 37. 



83 

heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath ; 
but let your yea, be yea, and your nay, nay, lest ye fall 
into condemnation. 1 Though we walk in the flesh, we 
are not to war after the flesh ; for the weapons of our war- 
fare are not to be carnal, but mighty through God to the 
pulling down of strong holds, casting down imaginations, 
and every high thing that exalts itself against the know- 
ledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought 
to the obedience of Christ. 2 For wars and fightings come 
out of the lusts, that war in the members. 3 Tlierefort 
Christ commands, not to resist evil ; but whosoever will 
smite thee on the right cheek, to turn the other also. 4 
Because Christians are lambs among wolves. 5 Therefore 
are they hated of all men for Christ's sake. 6 And all that 
will live godly in Christ Jesus, must suffer persecution. 7 
Such are blessed, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 8 
For though they have lost their lives, yet shall they save 
them. 9 And because they have confessed Christ before 
men, he will also confess them before the angels of God. 10 
We ought not then to fear them which kill the body, but 
are not able to kill the soul ; but rather fear him which is 
able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 



ii 



ARTICLE XXII. 

Concerning Magistracy. 

Let every soul be subject to the higher powers ; for 
there is no power but of God ; the powers that be, are or- 
dained of God. Whosoever therefore resists the power, 
resists the ordinance of God ; and they that resist, shall 
receive to themselves damnation : For rulers are not a 
terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not 
be afraid of the power ? Do that which is good, and thou 
shait have praise of the same ; for he is the minister of 
God to thee for good : but if thou do that which is evil, 
be afraid ; for he beareth not the sword in vain : For he 

'James 5. 12. a 2 Cor. 10. 3, 4. 5. 3james 4.1, 2. 4Mat. 5. 39. 
sLuke 10. 3. «Mat. 10. 22. i2 Tim. 3. 12. 8 Mat. 5. 10. 9Ch. 16, 
25. 'oLuke 12. 8. 9. "Mat. 10. 28. 



84 

is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon 
him that doth evil. Wherefore we must needs be subject, 
not only for wrath, but also for conscience-sake ; for, 
for this cause pay we also tribute ; for they are God's 
ministers, attending continually upon this very thing : 
Render therefore to all their dues ; tribute to whom tri- 
bute is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, 
honour to whom honour. 1 Therefore are we to submit 
ourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake ; 
whether it be to the king, as supreme $ or unto governors 
as unto them that are sent* by him for the punishment of 
evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well. For 
so is the will of God, that with well-doing, we may put to 
silence the ignorance of foolish men. 2 Yet it is right in 
the sight of God, to hearken unto him more than unto 
them. 3 And though they straightly command us not to 
teach in Christfs name, we ought to obey God rather 
than men. 4 



ARTICLE XXIII. 

Concerning the Resurrection. 

There shall be a resurrection of the dead, both of the 
just and unjust. 5 They that have done good, unto the 
resurrection of life ; and they that have done evil unto 
the resurrection of damnation. 6 Flesh and blood cannot 
inherit the kingdom of God ; neither doth corruption in- 
herit incorruption. 7 Nor is that body sown that shall be; 
but God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to 
every seed his own body : It is sown in corruption, it is 
raised in incorruption : it is sown in weakness, it is rais- 
ed in power : it is sown a natural body, it is raised a spi- 
ritual body. 8 

•Rom. 13. 1 to 7. 2 1 Pet. 2. 13 to 15. JActs 4. 19. 4Ch. 5. 28, 
29. K5h. 24. 15. «John 5. 29. 7l Cor. 15. 50. «1 Cor. 15. 37, 

38. 42 to 44. 



85 

CHAP, XT II. 

•3 short Expostulation, with an appeal to all other pro- 
fessors. 

COME, let us reason with you, all ye professors of 
Christianity, of what sort or kind soever ; and bring forth 
your Catechisms and Confessions of Faith, to that which 
by most of yourselves is accounted the touch-stone or rule: 
And suffer yourselves no more to be blinded, and to err 
through your ignorance of the scriptures, and of the pow- 
er of God i but freely acknowledge and confess to that 
glorious gospel and light, which the scriptures so clearly 
witness to, and your experience must needs answer ; as 
also to these other doctrines, which consequently depend 
upon the belief of that noble and truly catholic principle, 
wherein the love of God is so mercifully exhibited to all 
men, and his justice and mercy do like twins so harmo- 
niously concord ; his mercy in the oft tendering of his 
love, through the strivings and wrestlings of his light, 
during the day of every man's visitation ; and his justice, 
both in the destroying and cutting away of the wicked 
nature and spirit, in those that suffer themselves to be re- 
deemed through his judgments ; and in the utter over- 
throw of such, who rebelled against the light, and doing 
despite to the Spirit of grace, hate to be reformed. Now 
not only this fundamental principle is clearly held forth 
in this treatise, but all those that depend upon it, as the 
real and inward justification of the saints, through the 
power and life of Jesus revealed in them, their full and 
perfect redemption from the body of death and sin, as 
they grow up by the workings and prevalency of his grace; 
and yet lest security should enter, there is great need of 
watchfulness, in that they may even depart after they 
have really witnessed a good condition, and make ship- 
wreck of the faith, and of a good conscience, with all the 
parts of the doctrine of Christ, as they lie linked together 
like a golden chain, which doth very much evidence the 
certainty and virtue of truth above all heresies, error and 

I 



86 

deceit, however so cunningly gilded with the specious 
pretences thereof; for truth is entire in all its parts, and 
consonant to itself, without the least jar, having a won- 
derful coherence, and a notable harmony, answering to- 
gether like the strings of a well-tuned instrument ; where- 
as the principles of all other professors, though in some 
things most of them come near, and divers acknowledge 
that which is truth ; yet in most things they stray from it, 
so that their principles greatly contradict and jar one 
against another; and though they may allege scripture 
for some of their principles, yet they are put strangely 
to wrest it, and to deny it for others. My appeal then to, 
and expostulation with, all sorts of professors, is not to 
prove some one or two points by the scriptures (for there 
be some general notions of truth, which most, if not all, 
agree to) but the whole body of our principles, as they 
stand in relation to each other, which none of them all is 
able to do ; for, among the many professors, their Cat- 
echisms and Confessions of Faith, I find none (save the 
dispensation of truth, now again revealed) but such as in 
most of their substantial principles differ greatly, and in 
many contradict grossly the plain text and tenor of the 
scripture. I confess there be certain men in this age, 
who with some plausible appearance of reality, undertake 
this task : These are they which join with, and own not 
only any imbodied people ; but while they pretend a 
general love to all, yet find fault with some part of every 
sort; while in the mean time they scarce can give any 
account of their own religion, and most of them prove at 
bottom to have none at alt. These men, I say, may per- 
haps acknowledge some general truths, and also hold to 
the letter of the scripture in some other things, so as there- 
by to take occasion largely to judge others, while them- 
selves offer not to bring these good things to practice, 
they blame others for the want or neglect of : but such 
an enterprise from these men, will not (when weighed) 
prove a fulfilling of this matter ; seeing it is not enough 
to acknowledge many truths, but also to deny and wit- 
ness against all error ; and likewise, not to fall short of 
any truth which ought to be acknowledged : Whereas 
these sort of men for the most part, cannot give account 



87 

of their faith in many things needful to be believed ; and 
whatever things they may acknowledge to be true, they 
err most grievously, and contradict a truth most needful 
to be minded and answered, as is proved hereto, in that 
they stand not forth to appear for any of these discove- 
ries they pretend they have, but make a shift to hide 
their heads in times of trial, so as not to suffer for, nor 
with any : And though these fine pretences above men- 
tioned, through their scruples of joining with any, they 
can cunningly shun the difficulties of persecutions, that 
attend the particular sect of Christians. And yet by 
their general charity and love to all, claim a share in any 
benefits or advantages that accrue to one and ail : Such 
then cannot honestly lay claim to justify their principles 
and practices from the scriptures. But I leave these 
stragglers in religion, and come again to the divers sects. 

To begin with those that are most numerous : I think 
I need not say much to the Papists in this case ; for they 
do not so much as pretend to prove all their dogmas by 
the scriptures ; since it is one of their chief doctrines, 
That tradition may authorise doctrines, without any au- 
thority of scripture : yea, the councilby Constance hath 
made bold to command things to be believed, Non ob- 
stante scriptura, i. e. though the scriptures say the con- 
trary ; and indeed it were their great folly, to pretend to 
prove their doctrines by scripture, seeing the adoration of 
saints and images, purgatory and prayer for the dead, 
the precedency of the bishop of Rome, the matter of in- 
dulgences, with much more stuff of that kind, hath not 
the least shadow of scripture for it. 

Among Protestants, I know the Socinians are great 
pretenders to the scriptures, and in words as much exalt 
them as any other people ; and yet it is strange to see, 
how that not only in many things they are not agreeable 
to them ; but in some of their chief principles quite con- 
trary unto it, as in their denying the divinity of Christ, 
which is as expressly mentioned as any thing can be, 
And the Word was God, John 1. As also in denying his 
being from the beginning, against the very tenor of that 
of John 1. and divers other, as at large is shewn in the 
third chapter of this treatise. Divers other things, as to 



&8 

them, might be mentioned ; but this may suffice, to stop 
their boasting in this matter. 

The Arminians are not more successful in their deny- 
ing the false doctrine of absolute reprobation, and in as- 
serting the universal extent of Christ's death for all, than 
they are short in not placing this salvation in that spirit- 
ual light, wherewith man is enlightened by Christ ; but 
wrongfully ascribing a part of that to the natural will and 
capacity, which is due alone to the grace and power of 
God, by which the work is both begun, carried on and 
accomplished. And herein, they, as well as both the So- 
cinians and Pelagians, though they do well in condemn- 
ing their errors, yet they miss in setting up another, and 
not the truth in place thereof; and in that respect are 
justly reproved by such scriptures as their adversaries 
(who otherwise are as far wrong as they) bring against 
them, in shewing the depravity of man's will by nature, 
and his incapacity to do any good, but as assisted by the 
grace of God so to do. 

On the other hand, it is strange to observe, how many 
Protestants (the first article of whose confession of faith, 
is to assert the scripture to be the only rule) should deny 
the universal extent of Christ's death, contrary to the ex- 
press words of scripture, which saith, He tasted death for 
every man ; or the universality of grace, and a sufficient 
principle ; which the scriptures assert in as many positive 
words, as, except we suppose the penmen intended ano- 
ther thing than they spoke, it was possible to do, viz. 
A manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to 
profit withal : The Grace of God, that bringeth salvation, 
hath appeared unto all men ; and many more before men- 
tioned. The like may be said of their denying the per- 
fection of the saints, and asserting the impossibility of 
any falling away from real beginnings of true and saving 
grace, contrary to so many express scriptures, as are 
heretofore adduced in their proper place. But to give 
all that desire to be undeceived, a more full opportunity 
to observe how the devil has abused many, pretending to 
be wise, in making them cloak with a pretence of scrip- 
ture, false and pernicious doctrines ; I shall take a few 
of many instances out of the confession of faith and cat- 



89 

echism, made by the divines at Westminster (so called) 
because the same is not only most universally received 
and believed by the people of Britain and Ireland, but 
also containeth upon the matter, the faith of the French 
churches, and of most others, both in the Netherlands, 
and elsewhere ; that it may appear what wild conse- 
quences these men have sought, both contrary to the na- 
ked import of the words, and to all common sense and 
reason, to cover some of their erroneous principles. 



CHAP. XYIIL 

A short examination of some of the scripture proofs, alleg- 
ed by the divines at Westminster, to prove divers arti- 
cles in their confession of faith and catechism. 

It is not in the least my design in this chapter, to offer 
so large an examination of any of their articles, as might 
be done, nor yet of so many as are very obvious $ but only 
of two or three, to give the reader a taste of them, for 
example's sake, whereby, as ex ungue leonem, he may 
judge of most of all the rest, if he will be at the pains nar- 
rowly to look over and examine them. 

I shall begin with the first chapter, Sect. 1. where 
they assert tw r o things : First, That God has committed 
his will now wholly to writing. Secondly, That the for- 
mer ways of God's revealing his will, as by immediate 
revelation, are now ceased. The scriptures they bring to 
prove it, are first Prov. xxii. 19, 20, 21. Ver. 19. That 
thy trust may be in the Lord, T have made known unto 
thee this day, even to thee. Ver. 20, Have not I written 
to thee excellent things in counsels and knowledge ? 
Ver. 21. That I may make thee know the certainty of 
the words of truth, that thou mightest answer the words 
of truth to them that send unto thee. Luke i. 3, 4. It 
seemed good to me also, having had perfect understand- 
ing of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in 
order, most excellent Theophilus, that thou mightest 

I 2 



90 

know the certainty of those things wherein thou hast been 
instructed. Rom. xv. 4. For whatsoever things were 
written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we 
through patience and comfort of the scriptures, might 
have hope. Mat. iv. 4. 7. 10. But he answered, and said, 
It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by 
every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. 
Ver. 7. Jesus said unto him, it is written again, Thou 
shalt not tempt the Lord thy God. Ver. 10. Then said 
Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan ; for it is written, 
Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt 
thou serve, Isa. viii. 19, 20. Ver. 19. And when they 
shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar 
spirits, and unto wizards, that peep and that mutter : 
Should not a people seek unto their God ? For the living 
to the dead? To the law and to the testimony, if they 
speak not according to this word, it is because there is no 
light in them. 

But is it not matter of admiration, that men should be 
so beside themselves, as to imagine these testimonies do 
in the least prove their assertion ; or that others that do 
not take things merely upon trust, would be so foolish as 
to believe them ? For, though God made known, and 
wrote excellent things to Solomon ; though Luke wrote 
unto Theophilus, an account of divers transactions of 
Christ's outward abode ; For many ivere never written. 
John xxi. 25. and xx. 30. And theue are also many other 
things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be writ- 
ten every one, I suppose, that even the world itself could 
not contain the books that should be written. And many 
other signs truly did Jesus in the presence of his disci- 
ples, which are not written in this book. Though Christ 
made use of divers scriptures against Satan, and that Isa- 
iah directed people to the law, and to the testimony ; who 
will say, It naturally follows from thence, that God has 
noiv committed his will wholly to writing ? Such a con- 
sequence is no more deducible from the scriptures, than 
if I should argue thus ; The divines of Westminster have 
asserted many things without ground, therefore they had 
ground for nothing they said. Nay, it follows not by far 
so naturally, seeing after the writing of all these passages, 



91 

by them cited, according to their own judgment, there 
were divers scriptures written ; so that it had been false 
for them to assert, That God had then committed his coun- 
sel wholly to writing, which indeed was not true : So it 
is most irrational and unwarrantable for any to draw 
such a strange and strained consequence from their 
words. 

For the second, That the former ways are now ceased, 
they allege, 2 Tim. iii. 5. where Paul writes to Timothy, 
saying, That from a child he (Timothy) hath known the 
holy scriptures, which were able to make him wise unto 
salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus. And 
Heb. i. 1, 2. God, who, at sundry times, and in divers 
manners, spake in times past unto the fathers by the pro- 
phets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, 
whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also 
he made the worlds. 2 Pet. i. 19. We have also a more 
sure word of prophecy, whereunto ye do well that ye take 
heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until 
the day dawn, and the day-star arise in your hearts. 

Which prove the matter as little as the former : If 
Paul had intended by that to Timothy, what those divines 
would have, would not they have made the apostles speak 
a manifest untruth, seeing they themselves acknowledge, 
that John's revelation was written long after ? So that 
these former ways were not then ceased. As for that of 
Peter, it is to beg the thing in question, to say 7/ is in- 
tended of the scripture ; and though it were, it proves not 
the case at all. That of the Hebrews is so far from as- 
serting the matter they would have it, that it may be very 
aptly brought to prove the quite contrary $ for God in- 
deed speaks to us now by his Son : But to infer from 
thence, That the Son speaks only to us by the scriptures, 
remains yet unproved : And for the apostle to have there 
asserted it, had been false ; seeing the revelations, which 
he and others afterwards had, were inward, and so such 
were not ceased. And if we may trust the same apostle 
better than these men, he tells us, That so soon as Christ 
was revealed in him, he went straight and obeyed. And 
the same apostle tells us, that Except Christ be in us, we 
are reprobates $ surely he is not dumb in us, seeing he 



92 

says, He will dwell in us, and walk in us, and be with 
us to the end of the world. And John tells us, that the 
inward anointing is to teach us all things ; so that we 
need not, as to any absolute necessity, any man to teach 
us : How then is this ceased, seeing God speaks to us by 
Christ, and Christ must be in us ? Surely these men 
have not herein followed the rules of the scriptures ; but 
rather endeavoured most grossly to wrest them, and make 
of them a nose of wax, notwithstanding their pretences as 
to the contrary in their sixth, section, where they say, All 
things necessary are either expressly set down, or by good 
and necessary consequences may be deduced. Now that 
these two former assertions are not expressly set down, 
they will not deny ; whether they follow by sound con- 
sequence, any understanding man may judge, by what is 
above observed. 

There are divers other things in the same chapter, 
which will not abide the test, for which the scripture 
proofs, as alleged by them, are most ridiculous ; yet for 
brevity's sake I have omitted. 

In Chap. 21. Sect. 7. where they say, That the Sab- 
bath from the resurrection of Christ, was changed into the 
first day of the week, which in scripture (say they) is call- 
ed the Lo)\Ps day, and is to be continued to the end of the 
world as the Christain sabbath. In which they assert 
three things. 

First, That the first day of the week is come in place of 
the seventh for a Sabbath : To prove which they allege, 
1 Cor. xvi. 1, 2. Now concerning the collection for the 
saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, 
even so do ye : Upon the first day of the week, let every 
one of you lay by him in store, as God hath prospered 
him, that there be no gathering when I come. Acts xx. 
7. And upon the first day of the week, when the disci- 
ples came together to break bread, Paul preached to 
them, ready to depart on the morrow, and continued his 
speech untd midnight. 

That these proofs assert not the thing expressly, we 
need not, I suppose, dispute. Now to say, that because 
Paul desired the Corinthians to lay somewhat by them in 
store that day ; or because he broke bread, and continu- 



93 

efl his speech until midnight ; therefore the first day of 
the week is corne in place of the sabbath, is a consequence 
more remarkable for its sottishness, than to be credited 
for its soundness : Indeed to make so solemn an article 
of faith, as these men would have the morality of the first 
day of the week to be, would need a more positive and 
express authority. The text doth clearly enough tell the 
reason of the disciples meeting so frequently, and of 
Paul's preaching so long, because he was ready to depart 
to-morrow ; it speaks not a word of its being sabbath. 

Their second assertion, That the first day of the week 
is therefore called the Lord's day, is drawn yet more 
strangely from that of Rev. i. 10. I was in the Spirit on 
the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of 
a trumpet ; whereas no particular day of the week is men- 
tioned : So for them to say John rneaned the first day of 
the week hath no proof but their own bare assertion. 

For their third assertion, That it is to be continued to 
the end of the world, as the Christian sabbath, they allege 
these scriptures, Exod. xx. 8. 10, 11. Remember the 
sabbath-day to keep it holy ; but the seventh day is the 
sabbath of the Lord thy God ; in it thou shaltnot do any 
work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy man ser- 
vant, nor thy maid servant, nor thy cattle, nor the stran- 
ger which is within thy gates ; for in six days the Lord 
made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, 
and rested the seventh day ; wherefore the Lord blessed 
the sabbath-day and hallowed it. ha. Ivi. 2. 4. 6, 7. 
Mat. v. 17, 18. Think not that I am come to destroy the 
law and the prophets ; I am not come to destroy, but to 
fulfil $ for verily, I say unto you, till heaven and earth 
pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the 
law, till all be fulfilled. 

If they prove any thing, they must needs prove the 
continuance of the seventh day, seeing in all the law 
there is no mention made of the first day of the week be- 
ing a sabbath. If these may be reckoned good and sound 
consequences, I know no absurdities so great, no heresies 
so damnable, no superstitions so ridiculous, but may be 
cloaked with the authority of the scripture. 

In their 27th chapter, and the first, second, and third 



94 

sections, they speak at large of the definition and nature 
of Sacraments ; but in all the scriptures they bring, there 
is not one word of sacraments : The truth is, there was 
a good reason for this omission ; for such a thing is not 
to be found in all the bible. For them to allege, that the 
thing signified is (though that be also a begging of the 
question) will not excuse such, who elsewhere aver, the 
whole counsel of God is contained in the scripture, to for- 
sake and reject the tenor thereof, and scrape out of the 
rubbish of the Romish tradition, for that which is reckon- 
ed by themselves so substantial a part of their faith. 

In their fourth section they assert two things $ first 
That there are two only sacraments under the gospel. 
Secondly, that these two are baptism and the supper. 

To prove which they allege, Mat. xxviii. 19. Go ye 
therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the 
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy 
Ghost. 1 Cor. xi. 20. 23. When ye come together there- 
fore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper : 
For I have received of the Lord, that which also I deliv- 
ered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in 
which he was betrayed, took bread. 1 Cor. iv. 1. Let a 
man so account of us, as of the ministers of Christ, and 
stewards of the mysteries of God. Heb. v. 4. And no 
man taketh this honour to himself, but he that is called 
of God, as was Aaron. 

Now granting there was such a thing as sacraments, to 
be so solemnly performed, all that these scriptures will 
prove is, That these two were appointed to be performed ; 
but that there are only two, or that these are they (which 
is the thing asserted, and incumbent to be proved) there 
is not the least shadow of proof alleged ; for, according 
to their own definition of a sacrament, in the larger cat- 
echism, where they say, The parts of a sacrament are 
two, the one an outward and sensible, used according to 
Christ's own appointment ; the other, an inward and spi- 
ritual grace thereby signified; both the washing of one 
another's feet, and the anointing of the sick with oil, doth 
answer to it, and many other things : So that the proba- 
tion of a sacrament at all, or of their being two, seven, 
yea, or seventy, is all alike easy $ seeing neither name 



95 

nor number is to be found in the scripture, they being 
the meer conceits and imaginations of men : And yet it 
is marvellous to see, with how great confidence some men 
do assert the scripture to be their rule, while they build 
up so considerable parts of their doctrine, without the 
least scripture foundation. 

Thus I thought fit to pitch upon these three, viz. The 
scriptures* sabbaths, and sacraments, because these be 
three of the main things for which we Quakers are chief- 
ly cried out against, and accused, as believing errone- 
ously concerning them. Now what we believe concern- 
ing these things, and how agreeable our testimony herein 
is to the scriptures, is heretofore sufficiently demonstrat- 
ed : Also how little scripture proof these have for their 
contrary assertions to us in these things, notwithstanding 
their great pretences to scripture, will also appear to the 
unbiassed reader. 



Advertisement to the Reader. 

NOTE, Reader, That I have here throughout, made 
use of the last common translation of the Bible ; and if 
I would have made use of the Hebrew and Greek, I could 
have produced divers other very clear scriptures, which 
in the common translation are corrupted and perverted ; 
but I choose rather to do thus, that our opposers might 
see I took no advantage that way ; and also, that all that 
can but read, may find the places cited in their own bi- 
bles. 



THE END. 



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